The Texans promoted Heinicke to the 53-man roster Friday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Heinicke will back up T.J. Yates in Sunday's game against the Jaguars with Tom Savage (concussion) unavailable. If Savage recovers from the concussion in time to return for either of the Texans' final two games, Heinicke could be waived in order for Houston to address depth at other positions.