Texans to be without star rookie DB in Week 6

Kamari Lassiter won’t be suiting up this week for the Houston Texans.

The Houston Texans might feel content on offense, but they’ll be missing a vital member of the secondary Sunday afternoon.

Rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter is out for Houston’s showdown against the New England Patriots with a shoulder injury. Lassiter, the Texans’ second-round pick out of Georgia, has started every game this season opposite Derek Stingley Jr. in coverage.

Houston now must turn to either veteran special teams star Kris Boyd or Ka’Dar Hollmon for Sunday’s matchup. Hollman could be the favorite after the Texans signed him to the active roster earlier this week.

Lassiter has been a consistent defender opposite the former No. 3 overall pick, often drawing the No. 2 receiver for an opponent. He did allow his first touchdown last week when Bills rookie Keon Coleman broke free for a 49-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.

Through five games, Lassiter has an interception, three passes defended and 15 total tackles, including two tackles for loss.

The Texans will also be without veteran safety Jimmie Ward (groin) and wide receiver Robert Woods (foot).

With Ward out, this likely thrusts third-round pick Calen Bullock into a larger role Sunday. On offense, the Texans were already down one receiver in Nico Collins, who landed on the injured reserve earlier this week.

Kickoff from Gilette Stadium is scheduled for noon.