Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

FRISCO - Bruce Ellington has already endured a slow burn twice this year, experiencing horrible feeling upon hearing the news no NFL player ever wants to hear.

Informed by the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets that it was time to turn in his playbook as he was cut by them, Ellington has displayed a lot of determination as he tries to earn a spot on the Texans' roster.

Fueled by his emotions and propelled by his impressive speed, Ellington is in an extremely competitive situation as one of the wide receivers chasing one of the final roster spot. At this point, he appears destined to survive the Texans' impending roster cutdown to 53 players on Saturday.

"The anger built up in me from being released," Ellington said. "I never want to feel that again."

A strong finish is imperative for Ellington as he tries to cement a job with the Texans. It's a similar situation for Dres Anderson, his primary competition on the depth chart.

Contrast in styles

Ellington and Anderson have vastly different playing styles. Ellington is more compact at 5-10, 190 pounds than Anderson, a long strider at 6-1, 190 pounds.

A former 49ers fourth-round draft pick from South Carolina, Ellington is electric in the open field. He is tied with Anderson for the most catches on the team this preseason with eight entering the Texans' preseason finale Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

Ellington leads the Texans with 122 receiving yards, including a 37-yard reception on a leaping sideline grab over Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler on a pass from starting quarterback Tom Savage.

"He has been a good addition," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said of Ellington. "He's a tough guy. He's quick. He's got good playing strength. He makes plays. He's got good hands."

Ellington has remained healthy after tearing his hamstring last year and failing a physical with the Jets after being claimed by them off waivers from the 49ers.

He has 19 career receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns and 1,604 return yards.

"I love the guy," Savage said. "I think he is an awesome guy. He is working really hard, doing whatever he can to help out this team."

The Texans are dealing with multiple injuries at wide receiver. Pro Bowl alternate DeAndre Hopkins is recovering from a thumb injury and has been out since the preseason opener. He's expected back for a Sept. 10 season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as is Braxton Miller as he recuperates from a sprained ankle suffered against the Carolina Panthers.

Will Fuller has a broken collarbone that could force him to start the season on injured reserve and be designated to return. Plus, wide receiver Jaelen Strong has to miss the opening game because of a one-game NFL suspension for violating the NFL substance-abuse policy. Strong lost his appeal of the punishment, which stems from a possession of marijuana arrest from last year in Arizona.

Both might stay for a while

That could trigger scenarios where the Texans need to keep Ellington and Anderson on the active roster against the Jaguars, at least temporarily until Strong is reinstated by the NFL following the Jacksonville game.

The Texans could also seek outside help at receiver via a trade or waiver claims when NFL teams cut their rosters this weekend.

The son of former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Flipper Anderson, Dres Anderson doesn't want to leave anything to chance. The Cowboys game is meaningful for his status.

"I've got to make sure I finish strong," Anderson said. "The last game is the most important game. I want to put my best foot forward and show them I want to be here."

It's a different dynamic for Strong. He's in the Texans' plans this season but can't return to the active roster until Sept. 11.

Strong intends to remain in Houston during his suspension to continue his workouts away from the Texans' facility.

"There's always work to be done," Strong said. "I continue to get with my coaches to work on things to help me get better. I'm doing everything I can to help our team get prepared heading into Week One."