ARLINGTON --Eluding pursuit and running away from the Dallas Cowboys' defensive backs, Texans reserve wide receiver Keith Mumphery delivered a touchdown catch and a strong argument for a roster spot.

Mumphery created separation and made a sharp cut toward the middle of the field on a 64-yard touchdown Thursday night in the Texans' preseason finale at AT&T Stadium.

Mumphery could edge out veteran Cecil Shorts, who accepted a pay cut this offseason, for the fifth receiver spot.

"I never really worried about that," Mumphery said of his roster status. "I just told myself every day I needed to work hard and do my job and just stack days on top of days. I've become a lot more consistent, but there are still some areas I can be more effective in."

Shorts played in the second half of the fourth preseason game.

Shorts' roster status could be tenuous with Mumphery's improvement.

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"All you can do is play with the cards you've been dealt," Shorts said. "We've got a very deep receiving corps, young guys that can go. At this point in time of my career, there's no worrying. You let the chips fall where they may.

"You work your butt off and then whatever happens happens. There's no worrying from me. You're playing for this team as well as 31 other teams as well. I don't even think about it. It's out of my control. All I can control is what I can control."

A fifth-round draft pick last year from Michigan State, Mumphery has consistently drawn praise from the coaching staff for his improvement as a receiver and his contributions on special teams.

Mumphery entered Thursday with four receptions for 66 yards, including a 31-yard reception against the Arizona Cardinals.

The touchdown against Dallas showed speed.

"I just remember being in man coverage and I'm like ball is in the air, I got to go get it," Mumphery said. "It was basically tunnel vision. When I caught it, I was like, 'I got to score.' I was hungry. man."

Mumphery has made improvements since his rookie season when he played in every game and started three times, displaying sound route-running skills during offseason practices.

Last year, the Texans drafted Mumphery as a reserve wide receiver who regularly returned punts and kickoffs.

He didn't make a huge impact, but he was reliable and contributed primarily on special teams.

As a rookie, Mumphery caught 14 passes for 129 yards and no touchdowns. He also averaged a respectable 7.8 yards per punt return and 24.1 yards per kickoff return.

A self-described student of the game, Mumphery has size and athleticism working in his favor. At 6-foot, 215 pounds, Mumphery has run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds with a 32 1/2 inch vertical leap.

"Keith has improved every single day and every single week in training camp," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "That's been good to see. He does a lot of different things for us.

"He's involved on special teams. It was nice to see him come up with the one touchdown. It was a good night for him."