Tag: Chiefs 2024 season

Texans Kris Boyd explains shove on Frank Ross following special teams error

Kris Boyd said following Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs his altercation with Frank Ross came from a place of love.

Sometimes, the camera only catches the act instead of the context.

That seems to be the case with Houston Texans cornerback Kris Boyd’s altercation with special teams coordinator Fronk Ross on the opening drive of Saturday’s 23-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

After allowing a 63-yard return to Chiefs Nikko Remigio, the veteran cornerback was able to strip the ball loose. That led to a scramble between the two sides in a race to recover the ball.

But Boyd ran towards the sidelines in celebration after causing the fumble. He then took off his helmet and threw it near Houston’s sidelines while his teammates continued to go after the ball.

“I was turnt,” Boyd said. “That first play kickoff, they thought they had a big play and I got the ball out and as I’m getting up, I look at the screen and I see nothing but white (jerseys) and they’re all pointing (Texans’ way). So, I was like, ‘Oh yeah, we got the ball, too. Turnover.’ I was just turnt.”

After Kansas City recovered, officials hit Boyd with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for the helmet toss. That tacked on 15 yards, thus setting up the Chiefs inside the Texans’ 20 before an offensive snap was called.

But Boyd wasn’t drawing attention to himself. As he returned to the sidelines, he shoved Ross in his chest and continued to yell while wagging his finger.

When asked about that moment, Boyd said the hit came from a place of excitement, not anger.

“I love everybody here. I love my coaches,” Boyd said. “I would never disrespect anybody. I love Frank, I’m a God-fearing man. I respect everybody in that building.”

Boyd told reporters he later apologized to Ross and returned to the game on kickoff following Ka’imi Fairbairn’s first-quarter field goal.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said he wasn’t aware of the situation, but that was the least of his concerns since the penalty tacked on 15 yards.

“We can’t come out on the first play and throw our helmet. We understand that’s silly. That’s not what we teach, that’s not what we’re about at all,” the Texans coach said. “For us to be here in this moment and to throw our helmet? We know the rules and we know we can’t do that. It just puts us in a negative light to start the game.”

The Texans end the season with an 11-8 record and move to 0-6 all-time in the divisional round.

Texans vs. Chiefs inactives: Who is out for Houston in divisional round

Here’s who is out for the Houston Texans in Saturday’s divisional round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Houston Texans are relatively healthy heading into Saturday’s divisional round showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

Linebacker Devin White headlines the list of inactive players for the Texans. While linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, wide receiver Robert Woods and running back Joe Mixon were all listed as questionable, the trio of names will take the field at 3:30 p.m.

For Kansas City, offensive tackle Wanya Morris is the top name out for Saturday’s matchup. Defensive back Deon Bush and tackle Ethan Driskell also aren’t expected to play.

The Texans are riding high after their defense forced Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert into throwing four interceptions during last week’s wild-card round win. That could bode well for a Texans defensive unit facing Patrick Mahomes, DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce.

C.J. Stroud’s sophomore slump took a backseat last week as he led all passing with 289 yards and a touchdown. Mixon’s 17-yard scramble in the fourth quarter put the game away while Derek Stingley Jr. iced it with his second interception.

The Texans look to average their December loss to the Chiefs, while Kansas City looks to keep their playoff win streak rolling on Saturday. With a win, the Texans would advance to the conference championship for the first time in franchise history.

With a win, Kanas City could advance to the conference championship for the seventh consecutive postseason. With a victory next week, the Chiefs would return to the Super Bowl for the third straight season and fifth time in six seasons.

Here are the inactive players for the Chiefs:

  • OT CJ Hanson
  • OT Ethan Driskell
  • DE Malik Herring
  • DE Joshua Uche
  • S Deon Bush
  • CB Keith Taylor
  • OL Wanya Morris

Here is the inactive list for the Texans:

  • OL Nick Broeker
  • DE Jerry Hughes
  • LB Devin White
  • RB J.J. Taylor
  • C Kendrick Green
  • DT Kurt Hinish
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. CT. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.

WATCH: Texans fans send off team to Arrowhead Stadium ahead of divsional round

The Houston Texans fans let it be known how excited they are for a showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Houston Texans look to make history on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium by taking down the top-ranked Kansas City Chiefs.

With a victory, Houston would advance to its first-ever conference championship appearance in franchise history. Entering Saturday’s showdown against Patrick Mahomes and Co., Houston is 0-5 in the second game of the postseason.

There’s been bad juju with the Texans and Chiefs over the past five seasons. Everyone remembers the last time these two AFC contenders met in the divisional round and how it marked the beginning of a dynasty for one roster and the fall for another.

Houston jumped out to a first-quarter 24-0 lead before allowing 27 unanswered points in the second. The Chiefs would keep the momentum en route to a 51-31 victory and eventual Super Bowl title three weeks later.

But it’s a new age of Texans’ football. Fans believe this season can be different. Here they are reacting to the team’s departure from NRG Stadium and off to Kansas City.

Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon also tweeted out a thank you following the team’s departure.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.

Texans RB Joe Mixon’s status for AFC Divisional Round game revealed

Running back Joe Mixon s dealing with an ankle injury entering Saturday’s divisional-round matchup against the Chiefs.

The Houston Texans could be without their star running back when the team travels to Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday to take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Running back Joe Mixon, who did practice during Thursday’s final walkthrough, is listed as questionable for the AFC Divisional Round matchup against the defending Super Bowl champions.

On the team’s injury report, Mixon was listed as out for practice, along with wide receiver Robert Woods (hip). Both were listed as questionable following Thursday’s final practice.

Houston, which is trying to advance to the AFC Championship for the first time in franchise history, needs a stable ground game to combat Patrick Mahomes’ and a high-tempo passing attack.

In last week’s wild-card round win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Mixon became the first running back since Arian Foster in 2012 to rush for 100 yards in a playoff game. He finished with 106 yards and scored a 17-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to ice the game.

In 14 regular-season games, Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. He became the sixth running back in franchise history and the first since 2019 to eclipse 1,000 yards in a single season.

“Joe did a great job there today and he doesn’t do that without the way our guys block, tight ends, receivers, also the offensive line,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Like collective effort there which allowed us to run the wall the way we did.”

Mixon appeared on the team’s injury report on Wednesday after an ankle issue, but was listed as a limited participant. The ankle injury has been something lingering around the Pro Bowl running back since the start of the regular season.

The 28-year-old missed three games early this season after a hip drop tackle by Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards injured his right ankle on Sept. 15. Mixon dealt with the issue during the third quarter of Week 15’s win over the Miami Dolphins, but only left for a drive before returning.

As the Texans look to make history, Mixon likely will see action, even if it’s limited. He was part of the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals roster to take down Mahomes in the AFC Championship Game and plans on breaking the 1-1 tie at Arrowhead Stadium.

“I’m gonna do whatever it takes on my end, and I’m sure that everybody else on the team is gonna do the same thing,” Mixon said Tuesday. “Everybody has the same mindset and we just have to go out there and make some things happen.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.

Is Texans RB Joe Mixon playing against Chiefs?

Texans running back Joe Mixon is dealing with an ankle injury heading into Saturday’s contest against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Houston Texans are already down two wide receivers, two tight ends and an offensive lineman for Saturday’s divisional-round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now, they could be down at tailback following Thursday’s practice.

Running back Joe Mixon was not seen during the media session on Thursday afternoon. He was listed as limited with an ankle injury on Wednesday’s injury report.

Houston needs a stable run game headlined by the Pro Bowl runner if it stands a chance of securing a victory at Arrowhead Stadium. Even with the stellar outing by Dameon Pierce in Week 18’s win over the Tennessee Titans, Mixon has been Houston’s go-to runner.

In last week’s wild-card round win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Mixon became the first running back since Arian Foster in 2012 to rush for 100 yards in a playoff game. He finished with 106 yards and scored a 17-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to ice the game.

“He wants the football,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said following a 32-12 win. “You want to play well in the playoffs you have to be able to run the football. So Joe did a great job there today and he doesn’t do that without the way our guys block, tight ends, receivers, also the offensive line. Like collective effort there which allowed us to run the wall the way we did.”

Mixon, who inked a three-year extension this offseason after being traded to Houston by the Cincinnati Bengals, also became the sixth running back in franchise history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season. He was on pace for 1,300 yards and 4.7 yards per attempt before an ankle injury in Week 2 sidelined him for three games.

Mixon’s status on the injury report should provide more insight into Houston’s ground game. If he can’t go, the Texans will rely on a combination of Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale.

In 14 regular-season games, Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per attempt.

Offensively, the Texans are down receivers Tank Dell (knee) and Stefon Diggs (torn ACL) and tight ends Brevin Jordan (torn ACL) and Cade Stover (shoulder). Robert Woods (hip) also did not practice the past two days.

Kickoff from Arrowhead Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ABC and ESPN.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud delivers plan on how to defeat Chiefs

The Houston Texans have to believe first that a win is on the horizon against the Kansas City Chiefs.

There’s a plan for Houston Texans to pull off a feat that only Tom Brady and Joe Burow have accomplished since 2018.

Once January rolls around, the Kansas City Chiefs look unstoppable. Well, Patrick Mahomes at least does since he’s only lost twice in the AFC playoffs since being named the starting quarterback in 2018.

Three times if you include the Super Bowl.

Everything starts with correcting the little things. The Texans (11-7) eliminated their self-inflicting wounds during the second half of Saturday’s wild-card round win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

There also has to be an internal buy-in. Houston is one of seven teams remaining in the hut for a Super Bowl. That should be motivation enough.

“You usually don’t play that long unless you make it to the championship. That’s kind of how it feels,” Stroud said. “It’s cool because we get another week to hang out with one another and go spend time together off the field. These types of games, it’s about who stays tight-knit because crazy things happen in the playoffs. Just like last week, crazy things happen. Whoever can gel together is usually the one to win.”

Securing a win is common for Houston in the wild-card round. After shoring up a double-digit victory over the Chargers, the Texans improved to 6-2 all-time in the postseason’s first weekend.

It’s Round 2 where struggles reside for the AFC South champions. The Texans are 0-5 in the divisional round, most recently falling short last season of making the AFC title against top-seeded Baltimore.

Before that, Houston blew a 24-0 first-quarter lead against Mahomes en route to a 51-31 loss. Mahomes would go on to secure his first Super Bowl title three weeks later with a win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Weather is expected to be a slight factor at kickoff, but nothing too serious compared to the windchill out in Buffalo. Stroud, who started two seasons at Ohio State, said playing in Columbus prepared him for the cold weather, though it differs from playing in wet.

“It’s better than playing when it’s wet,” Stroud said. “And then it snows, which is better than if it rains.”

Kickoff from Arrowhead Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Former Texans WR Diontae Johnson returns to former team

Diontae Johnson is headed back to where the saga started earlier this year.

Dionate Johnson was waived by the Baltimore Ravens and claimed by the Houston Texans.

It looks like the universe just pulled an Uno reverse card on his position.

Johnson, who was waived by Houston Tuesday morning, is back with the Ravens after being picked up off waivers.

That doesn’t mean he’ll play another down with the franchise, but instead, general manager Eric DeCosta could be looking for an additional draft pick.

Since Johnson won’t officially move to the Ravens the day after the Super Bowl on Feb. 10, he qualifies as an unrestricted free agent. By claiming him, the Ravens will have a chance at earning a compensatory selection for the 2026 draft depending on the contract Johnson signs in free agency.

According to ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime, Johnson asked for his release following Houston’s 32-12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers after hauling in one pass for a 12-yard gain.

Following the victory, the veteran receiver was visibly upset while sitting in his locker fully dressed, venting out his frustration to other players. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and running back Joe Mixon were seen trying to talk to him with the media present.

“Unfortunately, with Diontae, it didn’t work out,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Tuesday. “We’re on to the Chiefs.”

In two games with the Texans, Johnson caught three passes for 24 yards. Before being cut by the Ravens, he had one catch for six yards in seven games and only played in 39 snaps.

Johnson was also suspended by Baltimore after he refused to enter a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 1.

Before being traded to the Ravens, Johnson caught 30 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns as a member of the Carolin Panthers, who acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers before the season.

If another team signs him this offseason, Johnson will have played for five teams in less than two seasons.

The Texans, who added Jared Wayne in place of Johnson, head to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.

FS1’s Nick Wright pulls a Rex Ryan for Texans’ prediction vs. Chiefs

Nick Wright might be doing the Houston Texans a favor by claiming they have “no chance” on Saturday against his Kansas City Chiefs.

Last week, ESPN’s Rex Ryan ruffled feathers for saying the Los Angeles Chargers were “on a bye” facing off against the Houston Texans.

That led to a four-turnover game for Justin Hebert and a 32-12 win for the Texans en route to another wild-card round win. Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon wasted little time celebrating the victory, lighting cigars and yelling that the team was “Smoking on that Rex Ryan bye week pack.”

Mixon said earlier this week that the Texans didn’t need motivational fuel at this point of the season, but any bulletin board material is welcome. That arrived on Tuesday in comments from FS1’s Nick Wright.

The former Hosuton-based radio show host might have switched up the wording compared to Ryan, but only by a fraction. During a segment on his show “First Things First,” Wright said his prediction has more to do with his belief in his hometown Kansas City Chiefs than it does as an insult to the Texans.

“It’s not a bye,” Wright said of Saturday’s matchup in Kansas City. “It is, however, the Chiefs’ final practice of the year.”

Somehow, it sounds worse when repeated out loud. Even though the Texans have a slight chance in the eyes of bettors, they proved their value with a double-digit win over the betting favorites twice in the AFC wild-card round behind C.J. Stroud.

There is a caveat to Wright’s claim; divisional round. Houston is 0-5 all-time following the wild-card round and has never advanced to the conference championship.

Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes is 6-0 in the divisional round of the playoffs since taking over as QB1 in 2018. He’s only lost three times in the postseason all-time, including twice to Tom Brady and one in the Super Bowl.

But Wright, whose loyalty to Mahomes is well-documented, also brought up that the two-time MVP is near impossible to beat on Saturday. The numbers back it up, too. In six games, he’s totaled 16 touchdown passes against zero interceptions. Mahomes also has averaged over 300 yards per game.

“Here’s why it’s not though,” Wright said. “You don’t lose a game that you’re not playing and they’re not playing a game. They have one final practice before their season starts.”

After getting into an X beef with several Texans radio pundits, Wright had a chance to reassess his take. Instead, he doubled down.

“The season doesn’t start this Saturday, it starts next Sunday,” Wright said. “So no, I’m not giving Houston a chance, I’m not.”

The Texans kickoff Saturday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium on ABC and ESPN.

If Kansas City loses, you know who to blame, Chiefs Kingdom.