Tag: chiefs football

Will Texans bring back OC Bobby Slowik for 2025?

Bobby Slowik’s status remains uncertain as the Houston Texans enter the 2025 offseason.

The biggest question surrounding the Houston Texans has little to do with which free agents are back.

It’s probably not regarding April’s NFL draft, where the No. 25 overall pick could be a vital asset to the team’s foundation moving into 2025.

Those who are wondering if C.J. Stroud can get back to his Offensive Rookie of the Year form will have to take a backseat for now.

No, all sights turn to Bobby Slowik’s status for 2025. Will he be back at NRG Stadium in Week 1?

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans quickly answered in his final press conference that all coaching decisions won’t be made until next week. That gives Slowik a bit more time to plead his case as to why he’s deserving of a third season in Houston.

The writing has been on the wall for offensive changes since Week 7, which began a month-long hiatus of failing to score on offense in the second half of games. Offensive line coach Chris Strausser isn’t expected back after Stroud was sacked 54 times, the second-most among QBs in 2024.

But Slowik, who helped the Ohio State passer turn into one of the game’s rising stars, could be given one more chance to prove 2024 was a fluke rather than the norm.

As for where he sits now, Ryans kept his analysis brief.

“I think overall with Bobby, I saw some growth, saw some improvement throughout the year,” Ryans said Monday.

While Slowik’s play design regressed after finishing top 12 in passing and scoring, not all hinges on the Xs and Os. Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs was lost for the season in Week 8. Fellow Pro Bowler Nico Collins missed five games with a hamstring while running back Joe Mixon missed three.

The offensive line falls under Strausser’s work and injuries stockpiled to where six different units saw action en route to another division title. And with more film on Stroud, the rookie had a sophomore slump.

That shouldn’t excuse the lack of creativity on early downs or the inability to establish an identity in the second half of games. The lack of talent should have led to a style change, though the same predictable plays continued to plague the offense.

Houston finished the regular season ranked 22nd in total offense, averaging 319.7 yards per game, and 19th in points per game. Stroud, who finished with 23 touchdown passes against five interceptions, upped his turnover rate and decreased his touchdown total.

“Overall offensively, we have to improve,” Ryans said. “It wasn’t where we wanted it to be. There were challenges throughout the year. We have to improve.”

Houston plans on attacking free agency and the draft to rebuild the offensive line. Collins and Mixon are locked up long-term. Despite a down season from Dalton Schultz, he’s expected back as the starting tight end for now.

But Stroud needs help. He requires a more stable offensive line. The receiving room needs more than just Collins if it plans on being a top 10 unit, injuries or not.

He also must learn how to improve his pocket awareness. Trusting his legs also could benefit the offense taking another step forward if Slowik is retained for a third year.

Stroud found a rhythm on the ground during the postseason. Houston found a spark on offense against the league’s top-scoring defense during the wild-card round, totaling 25 points and 429 yards.

If that’s the version Slowik thinks he can bring out next season, perhaps changing the personnel around the main guy is ideal. And if Stroud has a say in the change, the odds could be 50/50.

“I definitely think he has a lot of success coming his way and I’ve been honored to have it with him and hopefully keep it going. Definitely on Bobby’s side and appreciative of all of things he has taught me and how great he has been in my career so far.”

Updated 2025 NFL draft order after Divisional Round

With the divisional round officially in the books, here’s the latest draft order heading into the conference title games.

The Houston Texans now know when they’re on the clock.

With the divisional round officially over, the first 28 picks of the 2025 NFL draft order have been finalized.

Twenty-four picks were set entering the weekend but with the Texans, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens four more picks have been confirmed.

The Texans will pick at No. 25. The Lions, who were shocked at Ford Field on Saturday night against the Washington Commanders, will pick at No. 28 after securing a 15-2 record.

Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans are now on the clock following a nine-point loss to Houston while donning the Oilers uniforms.

Here’s an updated look at the 2025 NFL draft order following wild-card weekend action, courtesy of the folks at Tankathon:

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.

WATCH: Tempers flare on Texans sidelines after big play

Kris Boyd didn’t hold back his emotions on Frank Ross following the opening drive.

Letting a big-time play occur to open Saturday’s AFC Divisional Round is one way to get thrown in the doghouse.

Shoving your coach after the play certainly won’t help a player’s case.

Houston Texans cornerback Kris Boyd did both against the Kansas City Chiefs.

After allowing a 63-yard return on the opening kickoff from Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio, Boyd shoved special teams coordinator Frank Ross when he returned to the sidelines. While the special teams star was able to force a fumble, the ball was recovered by Kansas City.

Boyd was penalized after taking his helmet off to celebrate. That tacked on an extra 15 yards for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, setting the Chiefs up inside the red zone before an offensive play was run.

Surprisingly, Boyd was back out on the field after Houston tied it a 3 following a Ka’imi Fairbairn field goal in the first quarter.

Is Shaq Mason playing today? Injury updates for Texans RG

Texans offensive lineman Shaq Mason is dealing with a knee injury. Here are the latest updates.

While the Houston Texans are headed to the AFC Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, one of their star players could be limited in Saturday’s showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Offensive lineman Shaq Mason returned to practice for the first time since Week 16’s loss against the Chiefs after suffering a knee injury on the opening drive. Houston determined that the severity of the injury wasn’t a season-ending issue, but it would require him to rest for several weeks.

On Thursday’s walkthrough, Mason was listed as a full participant, thus signaling a step in the right direction.

Here’s the latest on Mason ahead of Saturday’s showdown between the two AFC contenders in Kansas City.

Shaq Mason injury update

According to KRPC2 Sports Aaron Wilson, Mason is not only expected to play but the veteran is also expected to start at right guard against Kansas City. During his absence, the Texans started Juice Scruggs at right guard for the past two games while Tytus Howard took over as the starting left guard due to injury.

Scruggs has an ankle injury that sidelined him for one of the three practices this week heading into the rematch against Kansas City and is still working his way back to full strength.

NFL Playoff picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions

Texans RG depth chart

Here’s a look at the Texans’ running back options should Mason suffer a setback or leave the game at some point due to aggravation.

  • Juice Scruggs
  • Kenyon Green
  • Kendrick Green
  • Austin Deculus
  • Nick Broeker

Shaq Mason stats

Mason, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, started the first 15 games of the season before injuring his knee against the Chiefs and causing the Texans to shuffle their line for the fourth time this season.

He has started 147 of 152 career games since being drafted in the fourth round out of Georgia Tech in 2015.

Robert Woods injury update: Will Texans WR play in divisional round vs. Chiefs?

Rober Woods is dealing with a hip injury entering the AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

While the Houston Texans are headed to the AFC Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, one of their star players could be limited in Saturday’s showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Wide receiver Robert Woods dealt with a hip issue throughout the week of practice and could be limited at Arrowhead. He did not practice all three days leading up to Thursday’s final walkthrough.

Given the injuries at wide receiver to Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, Woods has seen an expanded role over the final few games. He’s been with the starting lineup and doubled his rep count win Week 17’s loss against the Baltimore Ravens.

Right now, the Texans are being cautious with Woods’ status. And while there is cause for concern, it would be fairly surprising if the pass-catcher was sidelined in a winner-take-all showdown.

Here’s the latest on Woods ahead of the Texans’ departure Friday afternoon to Kansas City.

Robert Woods injury update

Woods is officially listed as questionable with an ankle injury for Saturday’s contest against Kansas City.

Despite being on the injury report multiple times this season, Woods has been a constant No. 4 target in the passing game behind Nico Collins, Diggs and Dell. Last week against the Chargers, he caught two passes for 22 yards, including a 13-yard first-down.

NFL Playoff picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions

Texans WR depth chart

Here’s a look at the Texans’ running back options should Mixon be sidelined or limited for Saturday’s showdown:

  • Nico Collins
  • John Metchie III
  • Xavier Hutchinson
  • Jared Wayne

Robert Woods stats

Woods remains a focal point of the Texans’ passing game. In 15 games, he’s totaled 20 catches for 203 yards and averaged 10.1 yards per catch.

Joe Mixon injury update: Will Texans RB play in divisional round vs. Chiefs?

Joe Mixon is dealing with an ankle injury entering the AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

While the Houston Texans are headed to the AFC Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, one of their star players could be limited in Saturday’s showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon dealt with an ankle issue throughout the week of practice and was a late addition to the injury report. He practiced sporadically on Wednesday and didn’t take the field during Thursday’s final walkthrough.

The do-it-all running back has been essential to Houston’s regular-season success en route to a second AFC South division title. The Texans already have dealt with plenty of issues at the receiver spot with season-ending injuries, only adding more to Mixon’s plate.

Right now, the Texans are being cautious with Mixon’s status. And while there is cause for concern, it would be fairly surprising if the running back was sidelined in a winner-take-all showdown.

Here’s the latest on Mixon ahead of the Texans’ departure Friday afternoon to Kansas City.

Joe Mixon injury update

Mixon is officially listed as questionable with an ankle injury for Saturday’s contest against Kansas City.

The ankle issue has been a lingering problem for Mixon throughout the year. After being brought down with an illegal hip-drop tackle in Week 2’s win over the Chicago Bears, he missed three games before returning in Week 6.

Against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15, Mixon was limited in the fourth quarter after being tackled while rolling over on his ankle. He didn’t leave the game, but his burst and acceleration were depleted.

NFL Playoff picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions

Texans RB depth chart

Here’s a look at the Texans’ running back options should Mixon be sidelined or limited for Saturday’s showdown:

  • Dameon Pierce
  • Dare Ogunbowale

Joe Mixon stats

After being traded to Houston from the Cincinnati Bengals, Mixon has become the bell-cow back for the Texans’ offense. The veteran rushed for 1,016 yards off 245 carries for 11 touchdowns. He also added 36 receptions, 309 yards and a touchdown as a receiver.

Mixon became the sixth running back in franchise history to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season and the first since Carlos Hyde in 2019.

The former Oklahoma star also became the first Texans running back since Arian Foster in 2012 to rush for over 100 yards in a playoff game after his performance in a 32-12 win against the Chargers last weekend.

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.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud breaks down emotions returning to Arrowhead Stadium

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud understands there’s an emotional return heading back to Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday.

C.J. Stroud understands that his emotions could run high when the Houston Texans take the field at Arrowhead Stadium.

How could they not for the second-year quarterback? The last time he was here, Houston watched as wide receiver Tank Dell was carted off with a season-ending knee injury.

Not only is Dell Stroud’s best friend, but he’s a constant force in the passing game. And barring a speedy recovery, Dell isn’t expected back until potentially 2026.

But the Texans are more than Dell. They’re more than Stroud. They’re also more than a doormat or “final practice” for Kansas City en route to a sixth consecutive AFC championship appearance.

So Stroud knows that even with Dell in his heart, a victory is the top thing on his mind. That the motivation needed for Houston to strike.

“We’ve got to go do it for him away in the same stadium he got hurt. We’ve got to find a way to not get emotional and channel that,” Stroud said Tuesday. “I think we’ll be able to do that. It will be more inspiring than anything, and we’ll try to get it done for him.”

Looking back, Dell’s injury was the turning point in Week 16’s 27-19 loss. Houston pulled within a point after the 30-yard score with 11:40 left in the third quarter. Medical assistance slowed down the game, but the severity of the play slowed down Houston’s momentum.

Ka’imi Fairbairn missed the PAT to make it 17-16. Two drives later, Chiefs rookie receiver Xavier Worthy punched in an 8-yard touchdown as Kansas City coasted.

The offense struggled the rest of the afternoon, totaling 39 yards on three drives that resulted in a pair of three-and-outs.

Dell won’t make the trip with Houston to Arrowhead, but he did stop by to see the team before Saturday’s win over the Chargers. He was on crutches while wearing a large brace around his knee on the sidelines during pregame, but it seems like he was in high spirits.

That jolted life into the locker room, according to Stroud. Three hours later, Houston was moving on after a double-digit victory.

“Tank means a lot to our team. As you see with the guys, seeing him on the sideline, seeing the T-shirts, it’s real love,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.  “And everybody loves Tank. And I love Tank. We miss him”

With a win, the Texans would advance to their first conference championship appearance in franchise history. Even as an 8-point underdog, most fans believe beating the Chiefs is an easier path than traveling to take on the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens.

Stroud said the offense has to be on its “A-game” to secure a win. The margin of error is thin against the back-to-back Super Bowl champions.

“This team is really motivated to go out there and play some good ball against a great Kansas City team that’s been in these moments forever,” Strous said. “We know it’s going to take all of us.”

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