The Houston Texans took a couple of hits to key contributors and front line starters before and during their Week 11 matchup with the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium.
Before the game, left tackle Laremy Tunsil was declared out with an illness. Swing tackle Roderick Johnson filled in for the Pro Bowler, and helped keep quarterback Deshaun Watson clean as he did not sustain a single sack throughout the 27-20 win.
As the encounter wore on, receiver Randall Cobb was hobbled with a foot injury, and slot receiver Keke Coutee took his place, even catching a 6-yard touchdown to put Houston ahead 21-10 with 2:10 to go until halftime.
In the fourth quarter, right tackle Tytus Howard left the game, and rookie fourth-rounder Charlie Heck from North Carolina filled in for the former 2019 first-round pick.
“That’s preparation: always ready for the next step,” Watson said. “A lot of those guys, each and every week they’ve just been patiently waiting, kind of putting in that work, and when that time came they were ready for it. That’s what I’m most proud about, is for those guys to step in and have the success and not miss a beat. That’s what this team is all about.”
What is especially impressive for Watson is that the team continues to battle in practice throughout the week and hones in on their preparation, even though Houston is 3-7 and doesn’t even appear in most of the media’s “in the hunt” graphics when predicting the postseason.
“Regardless of what the record says, this team is always going to put in the work, we’re always going to support each other,” Watson said. “We’re always going to go out there and give it our all. Regardless if you’re playing a lot or if you’ve got to sub in for the next guy, that guy is going to be ready. It was a good job and I’m proud of everyone for doing that.”
The Texans may have to rely on more of their backups as they go to Ford Field to play the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving in the early afternoon time slot, the quickest turnaround of the season.
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