Injuries are a part of football, but it hurts to lose a player in the preseason.
That might be the case for the Houston Texans entering cut-down day on Tuesday.
Second-year defensive back Brandon Hill was carted off during the first quarter after suffering a leg injury during a block on punt return. He rolled to the ground and was slow to get up.
#Texans safety Brandon Hill being carted off with right leg injury @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/HvM4QfKlSJ
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 24, 2024
Eventually, the medical staff placed an air cast on his right leg and placed him in the cart for further evaluation in the locker room. Everyone, including starters like C.J. Stroud, Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, greeted Hill as he was helped into the cart.
A 2023 seventh-round pick. Hill was expected to compete for the final safety spot with veteran M.J. Stewart. Special teams were a way for Hill to stand out since Stewart’s calling card since joining the AFC South franchise.
Fellow defensive back and special teams star Kris Boyd left the game after the opening defensive series with a leg injury. He appeared on the broadcast wearing some type of protective ice pad around the area and isn’t expected to return.
#Texans 2nd year DB Brandon Hill is down near midfield gets air cast on right leg, the cart has been brought onto the field. Now his teammates all coming out to him as he's driven off the field to the locker room.
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) August 24, 2024
Boyd’s shown potential over the last two years on special teams, so he could have locked up one of the final corner spots because of his consistent play in practice. Hill, who spent most of last season on the injured reserve list, might be headed back there for the start of the new season.
The Texans must finalize their roster cuts by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.