Category: 2024 NFL Free Agency

Texans tried to claim DL off waiver wire ahead of playoffs

Before Phidarian Mathis became a New York Jet, he was almost a Houston Texan

The Houston Texans are always looking to bolster any position of head of the postseason. Last week, the AFC South champions secured the services of wide receiver Diontae Johnson as the replacement for Tank Dell in the passing game.

A week later, they tried to better their defensive line entering Week 18’s regular-season finale. Unfortunately, Houston wasn’t the only team in need of bettering its interior defensive line.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans were one of four teams that attempted to claim former Washington Commanders defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis, who landed with the New York Jets.

Others in the mix were the Cincinnati Bengals and Detriot Lions, who also could be making a postseason run down to New Orleans for a shot at the Lombardi Trophy.

The Texans need immediate depth on the defensive line to finish out the season and any potential playoff run, but Mathis would’ve been a nicer, long-term grab to develop, too.

Foley Fatukaski’s status for the postseason remains a mystery after he suffered an ankle injury in Week 15’s win over the Miami Dolphins. Outside of him, Houston has rotated in Kurt Hinish and Tommy Togiai behind Tim Settle, Mario Edwards and Dencio Autry.

Mathis, a second-round pick in 2022 out of Alabama, missed all but one game during his rookie season with a knee injury. He appeared in 22 games over the last two seasons, recording 25 tackles, a pass defensed and a fumble recovery.

The third-year pro is under contract through 2025, so he could have factored into the Texans’ plans with a strong finish to close out the regular season.

The Texans close out the 2024 regular season with an AFC South showdown in Nashville against the Tennessee Titans. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Only one Texans player made PFF’s top 50 free agents for 2025

The Houston Texans have one free agent considered among the best entering the 2025 cycle.

The Houston Texans are focused on winning a playoff game and advancing past the AFC Wild Card Round next month, but some fans have waved the white flag on 2024.

Yes, the Texans will represent the AFC South in the postseason.

Yes, Houston still has a chance to go on an improbable run to the Super Bowl.

The Texans, in reality, are several pieces away from competing with the top three AFC rosters for a Lombardi Trophy. That’s where free agency kicks in.

There’s a blend for Houston to re-sign players and add in new talent. One name that should be on watch is All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who despite suffering a torn ACL in October, is expected to be a hot name on the market for any receiver-needy roster.

Diggs should be the Texans’ top priority to extend in free agency, which is exactly how Pro Football Focus sees it.

PFF released its early list of the top 50 free agents of 2025.  Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl receiver with Minnesota, Buffalo and Houston, was the only player from the Texans’ roster to make the cut at No. 11 overall.

Playing in an offense where he was no longer the top target hadn’t hindered Diggs’ effectiveness. The star wideout was on pace to extend his streak of seasons with a PFF receiving grade above 75.0 and a drop rate below 10% on the catchable passes thrown his way.

Diggs’ market was compared to Pierre Garcon’s market in 2017. PFF also mentioned that since he’ll be coming off a severe injury, his market to mirror that of Odell Beckham Jr. in 2023.

A season-ending ACL injury for an older player who wins with lateral agility will make for an interesting free-agent dance.

Prior to suffering a season-ending injury, Diggs was on pace for another strong season as Houston’s No. 2 threat. At the time of the injury, he ranked fifth in catches (470) and eighth in receiving yards (496). He was on pace for another 1,000-yard campaign.

Diggs also said during a recent interview with NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” that he’d be interested in discussing a new deal with the Texans. Tank Dell’s season-ending knee injury might have changed the hearts of those inside NRG Stadium.

While not the only receiver on the market, Houston should be already in talks with Diggs on an asking price to run it back in 2025.

Dolphins vs. Texans injury report: Latest updates, news for Thursday

Here’s the injury report from Thursday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Miami Dolphins.

Here are the full injury reports ahead of the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins’ matchup at NRG Stadium in Week 15

Houston Texans (8-5)

Did not practice

  • DB Jalen Pitre (chest)
  • OL Juice Scruggs (foot)

Limited participation

  • RB Joe Mixon (rest day)
  • OL Kenyon Green (shoulder)
  • DL Foley Fatukasi (foot)
  • LB Christian Harris (calf)
  • LB Jamal Hill (knee)

Full practice

  • WR Xavier Hutchinson (shoulder)
  • DL Denico Autry (knee)

Note: Robert Woods, Laremy Tunsil and Nico Collins were removed from the injured list because of a rest day. 

Miami Dolphins (6-7)

Did not practice

  • OT Terron Armstead (knee)
  • WR Dee Eskridge (knee)
  • OT Kendall Lam (back)
  • DB Jordan Poyer (rest)

Limited participation

  • DL Bradley Chubb (knee)
  • WR Grant DuBose (shoulder)
  • LB Cameron Goode (knee)
  • FB Alec Ingold (ankle)
  • RB Raheem Mostert (hip)
  • WR Jaylen Waddle (hamstring)
  • LB Jordyn Brooks (ribs)

Full practice

  • LS Blake Ferguson (non-football illness)
  • LB Anthony Walker Jr. (hamstring)
  • WR Tyreek Hill (wrist)

Note: defensive lineman Calais Campbell and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. were removed from the injury list after missing Wednesday’s practice due to rest. 

Texans can clinch playoff spot in Week 15 with one possible scenario

Here’s how the Houston Texans can clinch the AFC South division title in Week 15’s showdown against the Miami Dolphins.

Even though the Houston Texans won’t play an AFC South opponent, they can clinch the division before midnight on Week 15.

The pathway to the postseason is simple, but also partially out of Houston’s control.

As NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport pointed out, the Texans can secure one of the final five playoff spots in the AFC in front of the fans at NRG Stadium with a win over the Miami Dolphins.

That’s only one part of the equation. Houston also needs the Denver Broncos to defeat the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Stadium, thus moving the Colts’ record to two games below .500.

Even if the two teams were to finish with 9-8 records, the Texans swept Indianapolis during the regular season, thus giving them a division advantage.

If both teams won, Houston would simply need to defeat Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium to secure a 10-win season. Much like Week 15’s outlook, even if the Colts were to finish 10-7, they’d lose the head-to-head battle.

A Texans’ win also benefits the Pittsburgh Steelers, who would clinch a playoff berth with a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and losses from Indianapolis and Miami.

The Green Bay Packers can clinch a playoff spot if they beat the Seattle Seahawks, get a loss or tie from the Atlanta Falcons and get a tie between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Week 15.

The Minnesota Vikings can also punch their ticket to the postseason with a win over the Chicago Bears. The Eagles are already in playoffs but would secure the NFC East with a victory over Pittsburgh.

None of that matters to Houston for now. Just win against a red-hot Dolphins roster on the warpath to January football since Tua Tagovailoa’s return and wait for the rest to fall in line.

It’s not like the Texans must win to stay alive. According to the New York Times playoff simulator, Houston has a 96 percent chance of making the postseason and would improve their standing to over 99 percent with a win over the Seahawks.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans vs. Jaguars injury report: Latest updates, news for Wednesday

Here’s the injury report for Wednesday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Here are the full injury reports for the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of their Week 13 matchup at EverBank Stadium:

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

Did not practice

  • LB Yasir Abdullah (hamstring)

Limited participation 

  • CB Tyson Campbell (shoulder)
  • QB Trevor Lawrence (non-throwing shoulder)

Full practice

  • RB Tank Bigsby (ankle)
  • OL Brandon Scherff (knee/shoulder)

Houston Texans (7-5)

Did not practice

  • DE Denico Autry (knee/oblique)
  • DT Folorunso Fatukasi (foot)
  • DB Jalen Pitre (shoulder)
  • DE Will Anderson Jr. (ankle)

Limited participation 

  • LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee)
  • OT Blake Fisher (concussion)
  • WR Nico Collins (rest)
  • OL Shaq Mason (rest)
  • DB Jimmie Ward (knee)
  • OT Laremy Tunsil (rest)
  • WR Xavier Hutchinson (shoulder)
  • TE Teagan Quitoriano (knee)

Full practice

N/A

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

 

Texans Wire Player of the Game: RB Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon put up a hat trick during Monday Night Football’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys.

When the Houston Texans traded for Joe Mixon this offseason, many figured he’d be around for a one-year deal.

When the Texans inked him to a new three-year extension, there were some concerns. Most running backs dwindle with age, leading to regression in carries and explosive runs.

That memo hasn’t reached Mixon entering mid-November down off NRG Drive.

Mixon scored three touchdowns in a 34-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys on “Monday Night Football” at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. He finished 109 rushing yards and averaged 5.5 yards per play.

“Joe, when he’s on, he’s a force for us,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “The run game starts with our offensive line. I challenged them to play fast, play aggressive. I thought they did a really nice job. I really like the way we just kept churning it in the run game, and proud of the guys for stepping up to the challenge.”

After Nico Collins’ 78-yard touchdown reception was called back on the opening play, Houston trusted its ground game. Mixon broke free for a 45-yard score, his second-longest run of the regular season to give the Texans an early 7-0 lead.

He also scored on a 2-yard run in the first quarter and a 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Mixon, who finished 109 rushing yards, tied a Texans single-game record for rushing touchdowns, becoming the fourth player in franchise history to accomplish the feat.

“I think everybody was dialed in on the game plan, and we came out here and executed for four quarters,” Mixon said. “It was a great thing to see the O-line pretty much go out there and impose their will.”

The Texans also showed promise on the offensive line. C.J. Stroud completed 67.7% of his passes for 257 yards and an interception. He also was only sacked once and pressured three times.

But Mixon scored the points, so he’s Week 11’s Player of the Week for Texans Wire. This marks the third time he’s taken home the title after putting up a league-leading 159 yards in Week 1 and 115 yards in Week 7.

The Texans return to NRG Stadium to take on the Tennessee Titans this Sunday at noon CT.

Texans vs. Cowboys injury report: Latest updates, news for Thursday

Several Texans players were not at practice on Thursday afternoon in preparation for Week 11’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday

The Houston Texans have an extra day to prepare for their matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

That means an extra day to get players healthy enough for action.

Receiver Nico Collins and defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. practiced in pads for the first time in nearly a month after being added back to the active roster. Collins, who led the NFL in receiving yards with 567 during the first five games, missed the past five weeks with a hamstring injury.

Edwards, who started the first six games for the Texans, was recently activated after serving a four-game suspension without pay for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy.

Both players are on the path to play Monday night in Arlington. The same might not be said about rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who did not practice Tuesday afternoon.

Lassiter, Houston’s No. 2 cornerback, left during the third quarter of Week 10’s 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions with a concussion. He’s currently in the protocol stages before being cleared to return.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) and defensive tackle Foley Fatkukasi (foot) didn’t practice and might not make the trip north. Defensive end Denico Autry (rest day) is expected to be back on Friday.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Texans and Cowboys after Thursday’s practice:

Where are the Texans picking in the 2025 NFL draft after Week 10?

The Texans remain in the playoff hunt, but they’re inching closer to a higher draft pick following Week 10’s home loss against the Lions.

The Houston Texans are thinking of the postseason, but change is needed on the offensive line if the AFC South leaders plan on winning a Super Bowl.

After Kenyon Green suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 9’s 21-13 loss against the New York Jets, conversations began on the future of the left guard spot. Juice Scruggs was serviceable in a Week 10 loss against the Detroit Lions, but the former second-round pick is better suited to play center.

The same goes for Jarrett Patterson, who likely will remain the starting center moving forward into Week 11’s matchup on Monday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Interior offensive linemen usually fall in the draft, given their value compared to tackles. Barring a trade of four-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, Houston should be content with its book ends.

Either second-round pick Blake Fisher or veteran Tytus Howard should take over at right tackle in 2025.

Howard, who inked a three-year extension before the 2023 season, could also shift inside to guard, leaving a hole at right guard in place of the struggling Shaq Mason. Houston could part ways with the veteran lineman since he’ll be paid up on all his guaranteed money from the extension signed in 2023.

If the Texans target a lineman in the draft, defensive tackle, safety, and receiver could all be options in the first round.

Here’s a look at where the Texans are listed after the Week 9 loss and the full draft order projection from Talkathon:

  • Round 1, No. 20 overall
  • Round 2, No. 54 overall
  • Round 3, No. 85 overall
  • Round 4, No. 121 overall
  • Round 5, No. 166 overall (via BUF)
  • Round 7, No. 235 overall

All those numbers could improve if the Texans can respond on primetime against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium later this week. Houston remains the favorite to win the AFC South and could be in line for the No. 3 if they finish with the same record as the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens, given their head-to-head wins.

Houston should look better on offense with the return of receiver Nico Collins, who is expected to play this week after being activated off the injured reserve last weekend. The Texans could be without pass-rusher and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Will Anderson Jr., who left in the first half with an ankle injury against the Jets.

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.

Texans RB Joe Mixon receives promotion following hot start

Joe Mixon has been named a team captain for the Houston Texans for the remainder of the season.

Joe Mixon is getting promoted.

The Houston Texans have named the Pro Bowl running a team captain for the remainder of the season. Mixon will replace Stefon Diggs, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 8’s win over the Indianapolis Colts.

“It’s a blessing,” Mixon said Friday. “I’m very grateful.”

If anyone has proven their value as a captain, it’s Mixon. Off the field, he’s been called a leader who wants perfection in every minor detail. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud mentioned Mixon’s attentiveness to the play and willingness to call players and coaches if they’re underperforming.

“That is what you want because at the end of the day. We all came here for one common goal and that is to win,” Stroud said. “If that is hurting somebody’s feelings, we are grown men, we get paid to do this. So, you have to be able to understand it, take it for love because he really just cares about the game, and he cares about this team and his coaches.

“I love Joe.”

On the field, Mixon remains the definition of consistency. Since returning from an ankle injury suffered in Week 2, he’s rushed for over 100 yards in each contest and scored at least one touchdown.

Since being traded to Houston this offseason, Mixon has averaged 4.8 yards per attempt and 101.5 yards per game. He’s scored six touchdowns on 126 rushing attempts.

“He very much exemplifies what we believe, as far as a Texans mindset,” offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said. “He plays fast, he is physical, he is tough, and you make sure you know it and you see it. Every time he touches a rock, and every time he does out in practice, how he approaches the meetings. He goes about it the way everyone in the Texans organization should go about it.”

Mixon will debut as the Texans’ newest captain this Sunday Night when the AFC South leaders welcome the Detroit Lions to NRG Stadium. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Will Texans RB Joe Mixon be ready for Week 6 matchup vs. Patriots?

Joe Mixon could be suiting up for the first time in three weeks this Sunday for the Houston Texans.

Joe Mixon finally appeared on the injury report with a positive outlook for the first time in three weeks.

The Houston Texans starting running back was listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the New England Patriots after practicing Friday afternoon. This marks the second consecutive day of training, meaning there’s a likelihood that Mixon could travel with the team and suit up at Gillette Stadium.

Fellow running back Dameon Pierce will play after missing the previous four games with a hamstring injury. He was a full participant in practice the past two days.

Mixon will have to pass all tests leading up to the game, meaning the training staff will have the final say on if he’s cleared to play. Still, it’s progress. Mixon has barely practiced since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2’s win over the Chicago Bears.

Chicago linebacker T.J. Edwards was fined for using an illegal hip-drop tackle technique during the third quarter of Week 2’s matchup on Sunday night football. Edwards continued to play while Mixon was sidelined for three weeks.

Entering the matchup, the former Cincinnati Bengals star led the league with 159 rushing yards and 178 total yards. He was essential in helping Houston secure a win on the road against the Indianapolis Colts.

“I’m just going to keep on working, and when it’s time to be out there, I’m going to do what I’ve got to do to show I’m the best on the field,” Mixon said Thursday. “It’s as simple as that.”

Even if Mixon were to return, New England’s been one of the better teams defending the run. They enter Sunday under first-year coach Jerod Mayo boasting the seventh-best run defense while holding 4.2 yards per carry,

“They’re going to make you earn it,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.  “They’re going to make you – they’re going to strain. They’re going to make you really work to get points against this defense. So, despite their record, I can see [Mayo’s] imprints all over this team with their physicality, their mindset and the way they’re playing football.”

With Mixon absent, Houston has relied on the combination of Dare Ogunbowale and Cam Akers. Since Week 2, the Texans have averaged just 77 rushing yards per game.

Kickoff at noon CT.