(This story was updated to add new information.)
The Houston Texans are at a crossroads entering Week 18 of the regular season.
Starters are expected to play against the Tennessee Titans, but the question is for how long? Texans coach DeMeco Ryans initially didn’t plan on playing starters, but plans changed after an abysmal outing against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.
“For us right now, we’ve got to go play better,” Ryans said. “Our last outing on the field was not good enough. It was not representative of who we are. Defensively, offensively, just not a good representation of our team entirely. So we’ve got to go out and play better football.”
Among those who could miss the second half is defensive end Will Anderson Jr. The Pro Bowl alternate hasn’t been at 100% for weeks, so having him rest for perhaps with a lead isn’t the worst idea.
Players, however, want to end their season on a high note en route to a 10-win campaign.
“You can never take that for granted,” Texans running back Joe Mixon said. “You got people after this week that are going home. You’ve got 14 teams left and from there, it’s time to put your best stuff on tape. I think that we have a great opportunity in front of us to go out there against Tennessee to try and do whatever we can to go into the playoffs with a great taste.”
Will Anderson Jr. update
Initially thought to play after a strong week of practice, Anderson will not play on Sunday at Nissan Stadium. Houston plans on resting him for next week’s wild-card round matchup at NRG Stadium.
Anderson, who’s closing in on a potential All-Pro season, appeared on the injury report with a hand issue but was a full participant at practice this week.
Houston will face either the Pittsburgh Steelers or Los Angeles Chargers, depending on the Chargers’ outing against Las Vegas.
Today’s inactives for #HOUvsTEN ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Z6KgnQ8GX0
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 5, 2025
Will Anderson Jr.’s stats
After a breakout rookie season, Anderson has continued to impress. In 14 games, he’s totaled 11 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 36 tackles and two pass breakups.
Texans DE depth chart
Behind Anderson and fellow Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter are Derek Barnett, Dylan Horton, and Solomon Byrd. Denico Autry is out for Sunday’s game with an ankle injury.