Barnidge will meet with the Texans this week for a workout, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
With the Texans set to play Thursday against the Bengals, Barnidge won't be an option until at least Week 3, but he'll be one several tight ends to audition for Houston as the team looks to address its lack of depth at the position. With C.J. Fiedorowicz (concussion) having moved to injured reserve earlier this week and Ryan Griffin and Stephen Anderson also sidelined for Week 2 with concussions, undrafted rookie Evan Baylis, who was signed off the practice squad, will be the team's only healthy tight end for the contest. Barnidge, who has caught 134 passes for 11 touchdowns with the Browns over the past two seasons, would offer a significant upgrade over Baylis, and likely Griffin and Anderson, too. Until he signs with Houston or another team, however, Barnidge won't make for much more than a speculative pickup in most fantasy leagues.