Player Spotlight: Damione Lewis

Coming out of the bye week, the Texans have picked up a few new faces to fill the empty spaces created by injuries and to help bolster the defense. In this weeks Texans player spotlight, we take a look at the most experienced of the new additions - Defensive Tackle Damione Lewis. In the past the Texans staff has seemingly steered clear of picking up players (other than running backs) who were older than 30, but desperate times called for desperate measures and they have broken their golden rule to bring in Lewis who brings with him 9 years of experience with 65 starts.

To make room for Lewis, Kubiak and Co waived Frank Okam, who hadn't brought much to the team in his short two years. A big guy with quickish feet, let's hope Lewis can have more impact than being a space filler like Okam was. Let's take a look at what this former first round pick is all about.

Damione Lewis - DT #97

- Height: 6-2 Weight: 301 Age: 32
- Born: 03/01/1978 in Sulphur Springs , TX
- College: Miami
- Experience: 10 Seasons
- Other Teams: Panthers and Rams, brief time with the Patriots this year
- Draft Status: 2001 - Round 1, Pick 12

- Career Accomplishments & Awards: Started all games last year and 15 in 2008 for the Carolina Panthers where he recorded 84 tackles and 4 sacks. He has 22.5 total sacks throughout his 9 year career along with 244 combined tackles. Lewis was a first round pick in 2001 and had quite an accomplished college career earning first team All-Big East and Third-Team All-American honors in 2000.

- Strength: Lewis is a big tackle who can help take up space in the middle, but still has the ability to pass rush to take some attention away from Mario Williams. Using his size he is able to get up and knock down passes occasionally. He brings quite a bit of experience and has been a part of two very strong defensive units. 

- Weakness: With experience comes age and there is the fear that Lewis may be a little too far past his prime to make a big difference. He also isn't the fastest defensive tackle out there, although his quick footwork ability shouldn't go unmentioned. Lewis has been somewhat injury prone throughout his career.

Lewis may not see a ton of playing time against the Colts, but should see more and more playing time as the season goes on. Worst case scenario is that Lewis will offer a strong presence to come in and help give Dan Cody and Amobi Okoye a rest during the game.  Let's just hope he isn't too far past his prime.