Tag: Christian Harris

Texans getting healthy at right time before showdown with Chargers

For the first time in the 2024 NFL season, the Houston Texans should have both starting linebackers.

Barring a last-second switch, the Houston Texans should be as healthy as possible for Saturday’s showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers.

No, Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward, Tank Dell, and two-time All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs aren’t walking into the building, but the defense should have Christian Harris and Dencio Autry back.

It will have back linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who was suspended for three games after an illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

And Will Anderson Jr. is nearing 100% for the first time since Week 9 after resting in Week 18’s regular-season finale. The same goes for defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, who’s suffered a roller coaster of injuries this season, costing him time.

NFL Playoff picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions 

Houston’s injury woes won’t decide the outcome of Saturday’s game, but they could factor into the scoring. The Texans have been limited on the defensive end for weeks, especially at linebacker, with Harris and Al-Shaair out for multiple weeks.

For this first time this season, the projected starting duo will be on the field for the first time. When Harris initially returned in Week 15, Al-Shaair was still suspended.

When Al-Shaair returned for a 23-14 win over the Tennessee Titans, Harris was out because of an ankle injury.

Offensively, right guard Shaq Mason will miss his third consecutive game. He’s been out since suffering a knee injury in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and has not participated or been out at drills.

Wide receiver John Metchie III is listed as questionable for Saturday’s showdown with a shoulder injury suffered last week against Tennessee. The No. 3 target did not practice Tuesday but returned in a limited capacity on Wednesday.

He was a full participant on Thursday, which means he’ll likely go even in a limited capacity opposite Nico Collins and Diontae Johnson.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on CBS and Paramount+.

WATCH: Texans LB Christian Harris hammers Patrick Mahomes for first sack

Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris tallied his first sack of the season with a takedown of Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes

Welcome back to the sack column,  Christian Harris.

The third-year Houston Texans linebacker to the field for the first time in the 2024 season last week against the Miami Dolphins. Harris tallied his first sack of the season on 2nd down against the Kansas City Chiefs by bringing Patrick Mahomes down.

Harris was questionable for Saturday’s contest with an ankle injury, but made progress later in the week to play his second game of the season.

Last year, Harris started 12 games and finished 101 total tackles and 12 sacks. He had a strong finish to the 2023 season, which led many to believe Harris would be in for a bigger 2024.

Harris suffered the calf injury in the preseason and it lingered until the bye in Week 14.

His return gives Houston three formidable linebackers with the emergence of Henry To’oTo’o and midseason signing Devin White.

The Texans will begin on defense to begin the third quarter.

Texans inactive list: Is LB Christian Harris playing vs. Chiefs?

Here’s the inactive list for the Houston Texans as they take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium.

Christian Harris is ready to go for Saturday’s showdown at Arrowhead Stadium.

After appearing on the injury report Thursday with an ankle injury, the third-year linebacker for the Houston Texans has been cleared to play against the Kansas City Chiefs. Houston elected to make veteran Devin White inactive for the first time in his Texans tenure.

White, a former top-five draft pick and Pro Bowler for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has suited up every week since signing with Houston on Oct. 23 after clearing waivers.

Harris, who recorded a career-high 101 tackles in 2024, is expected to start alongside linebacker Henry To’oTo’o for the second straight after missing the first 13 games with a calf injury. Last week against the Miami Dolphins, he finished with eight total tackles.

On the opposing sideline, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and wide receiver Hollywood Brown were cleared to play after dealing with injuries. With a victory, Kansas City would inch a game closer to securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.

Here’s a look at the inactive list for both teams.

Houston Texans (9-5)

  • OG Nick Broeker
  • DT Foley Fatukasi
  • DE Jerry Hughes
  • WR John Metchie
  • C Juice Scruggs
  • TE Cade Stover
  • LB Devin White

Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)

  • FS Chamarri Conner
  • OT Ethan Driskell
  • OG C.J. Hanson
  • DE Malik Herring
  • OT D.J. Humphries
  • DT Marlon Tuipulotu
  • OLB Joshua Uche

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans get back LB Christian Harris for postseason push

Linebacker Christian Harris is back for the Houston Texans.

Christian Harris is officially back for the Houston Texans.

The Texans added the third-year linebacker back to the active roster after clearing him off the injured reserve earlier this week. He’ll take the roster spot of defensive back Jalen Pitre, who will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a chest injury in Week 12.

Harris, who finished second with 101 tackles for the Texans in 2023, has been on injured reserve since training camp with a calf injury. He’s nearly worked his way back twice but suffered setbacks that led to Houston being cautious with his recovery time.

Expectations around the locker room have been that he’ll play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. While listed as questionable, removal from the injured reserve is a sign that he’s likely trending toward playing.

“I don’t know how they’re gonna play it in terms of a snap count,” Texans running back Joe Mixon told reporters earlier this week. “But I know for a fact, when he enters, he’s gonna give us 1,000 percent. I think it’s gonna be a great uplift for the defense.”

Harris’ return should be a big lift, especially with fellow linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair suspended for the next three games. The Texans have also been short-handed at the linebacker spot multiple times this season and can’t afford to not have someone covering Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans LB Christian Harris post cryptic photo surrounding return rumors

Christian Harris should be getting ready to suit up for the Houston Texans following the bye week.

Is Christian Harris coming back following the Houston Texans’ bye week?

Based on his latest social media post, the results are looking promising.

Harris, who’s missed a majority of the season with a calf injury, recently posted a photo to his Instagram featuring him in uniform, almost serving as a beacon of hope that a return is on the horizon.

The Texans are currently on their bye week but return for a three-game series within 11 days, starting against the Miami Dolphins. According to multiple reports, Harris has always been expected to come off the injured reserve following Houston’s bye.

Last month, Texans general manager Nick Caserio confirmed in an interview with Sports Radio 610’s Sean Pendergast and Seth Payne that Harris would play again in 2024 after missing the first 14 games.

He reiterated the same stance on Tuesday during his yearly press conference.

“I think he is getting closer. I’d say there’s definitely a shot we’re going to see him sooner rather than later,” Caserio said.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said last week that Harris was trending upward, but the AFC South favorites are in a “waiting game” for the time being.

“We will see where Christian is,” Ryans said Monday after a 23-20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. “Christian has done a great job progressing, and we look forward to seeing him out there pretty soon.”

The Texans need a healthy Harris if they plan on making a postseason push, espeically with Azeez Al-Shaair now out for three games because of a suspension. Depth at linebacker has been a concern for Houston, so bringing back a leading tackler makes sense.

In 2023, Harris recorded a career-high 101 tackles last season and returned an interception for a touchdown in a playoff victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Texans defensive captain will be suspended for Week 15 vs. Dolphins

The Texans will be missing one of their defensive leaders when they return from a Week 14 bye to play the Dolphins.

The Houston Texans will be without starting linebacker and defensive team captain Azeez Al-Shaair for three games, including their Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

Al-Shaair, 27, was handed a three-game ban by the NFL on Tuesday, two days after he delivered a brutal hit that concussed Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who was sliding to avoid contact.

With Al-Shaair out of action, the Texans will likely turn to Neville Hewitt to take over starting duties when they return from a Week 14 bye. The 31-year-old linebacker has only started three games in the last three seasons, but has been a stalwart on special teams and has recorded 46 tackles this season.

Pro Football Focus has given Al-Shaair a 73.9 grade this season with an 87.0 grade against the run. Hewitt has a 67.6 grade. Also on the roster are former Tampa Bay Buccaneers top 10 draft pick Devin White. The Texans recently designated 2022 third-round pick Christian Harris to return from injured reserve, where he’s spent the first three months of the season.

Al-Shaair, who signed with the Texans earlier this year, has two sacks, two forced fumbles, four pass defenses, seven tackles for loss, and 68 tackles.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

DeMeco Ryans provides update on LB Christian Harris

Christian Harris likely won’t be suiting up until at least next Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, if not longer.

Christian Harris is expected to play for the Houston Texans in 2024. It just won’t be happening this week against the New England Patriots.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters Monday that Harris is inching his way back from a hip injury but will not be cleared to practice just yet.

A former third-round pick out of Alabama, Harris has yet to play a snap since the start of training camp due to the injury suffered this summer. He was eligible to return from the injured reserve following the end of camp.

Ryans said that the team is “still waiting” on Harris to show a bit more improvement in the recovery process before putting him on the field.

“He is doing well,” Ryans said. “We actually had Christian down on the sideline yesterday which was encouraging to see him down there, see his support, his energy that he brings to our team. We are pulling for him to get back at the right time.”

Last season, Harris was one of the breakout defensive stars en route to helping Houston secure a division title. After totaling 74 tackles as a rookie, he bumped his numbers up to 101 tackles, plus two sacks in Year 2.

Ryans said he wasn’t worried about Harris having regression set in because of missed reps and is excited to have him back whenever he is cleared.

“Whenever we can get Christian back, it’ll be beneficial for everyone,” Ryans said. “I am excited about his growth and his development. I’m still very encouraged by that and Christian will pick up right where he left off.”

With Harris still expected to be sidelined, the Texans will turn back to Henry To’oTo’o. Ryans pleased the second-year linebacker for his performance in coverage against the Buffalo Bills in Sunday’s 23-20 victory.

“Henry had one of his better games this past week,” Ryans said. “He’s playing physical, he’s playing fast, just all over the field. So, encouraged with his growth and his improvement. Coach [Bill] Davis has done a great job with helping his development.”

DeMeco Ryans provides update on Texans LB Christian Harris

The Texans will be without star linebacker Christian Harris for at least one more week.

Christian Harris might be eligible to come off the injured reserve, but the Houston Texans are playing it safe.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that Harris would remain on injured reserve and won’t return to start practicing this week.

Houston takes on the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium this Sunday to close out a two-game home series.

“He’s still on the road to recovery, Ryans said. “He’s doing well, on the right track. We’ll get him when we get him.”

A third-round pick of the University of Alabama, Harris was placed on the injured reserve after missing all of training camp with a calf injury. With his absence, the Texans have relied heavily on second-year standout Henry To’oTo’o.

Harris entered 2023 off the heels of a breakout sophomore campaign while helping the Texans secure their first playoff berth since 2019. He amassed a career-high 101 tackles last season and returned an interception for a touchdown in a playoff victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Kickoff against the reigning AFC East champions is scheduled for noon CT.

Why Texans LB Christian Harris will start 2024 season on the injured reserve

Christian Harris will play for the Houston Texans in 2024, though it might not come until early October.

Christian Harris will play for the Houston Texans in 2024. It just won’t be against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 8 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Texans are placing the third-year linebacker and veteran defensive tackle Kurt Hinish on the short-term injured reserve to begin the season. Neither will count against the roster and both will be eligible to return after four weeks.

Hinish left early with an injury in Saturday’s 17-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Harris, who had been dealing with a strained calf since the start of training camp, returned to practice two weeks ago but reaggravated the muscle the same day.

The Texans believe Harris could be in for a breakout year similar to All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. A former third-round pick out of BYU, Warner went from a quality starter to a consistent standout in Year 2 under DeMeco Ryans’ teaching.

In Year 3, Warner became one of the top linebackers in the NFL, earning All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod in 2020. Harris might not be able to jump to that level this fall, but he flashed the potential as a rising star late last year to help Houston secure its first division title since 2019.

Harris is coming off his best NFL season after recording a career-high 101 tackles and two sacks. In the wild-card round victory over the Cleveland Browns, Harris made the play of his career with a 36-yard interception returned for a touchdown against Joe Flacco to extend Houston’s lead by 24.

In his place, the Texans will rely on a combination of Henry To’oTo’o and Jake Hansen next to veteran Azeez Al-Shaair. To’oTo’o, Harris’ former teammate at Alabama, has seen most first-team reps and looks more comfortable heading into his second season playing in space.

“Henry’s a dog,” safety Jalen Pitre said earlier this preseason. “He’s done nothing but show up every day with a relentless mindset ready to go to work and he’s bringing it when he gets there.

“Henry is one of those guys that are going to hit you and let you know about it. So, I’m trying to get like Henry in that regard.”

Texans training camp: LB Christian Harris returns to practice, leaves early

The Texans watched as Christian Harris returned to practice before leaving early on Sunday evening.

Christian Harris took one giant step forward Sunday evening.

For the Houston Texans’ defense’s sake, let’s hope that he didn’t take an even sizeable step backward.

Harris, the Texans third-year linebacker, returned to practice for the first time since the start of training camp but left early after running several drills. His status moving forward remains uncertain.

Harris has been dealing with a calf injury since the start of camp last month. He’s been at the facility but has yet to make an appearance like other players.

Houston’s medical staff checked him out to make sure he was fine. He could return before Saturday’s preseason matchup against the New York Giants. He could miss more time leading up to the regular season.

The linebacker room has upside, but little experience outside of Azeez Al-Shaair. Henry To’oTo’o has taken reps with the starters in Harris’ absence, but he was best used in subpackages on run downs.

Jake Hansen and Neville Hewitt have been standouts on special teams for the past two seasons and rarely see action with starters.

The Texans also drafted Oregon’s Jamal Hill and signed undrafted free agents Max Tooley and Tarique Barnes from BYU and Illinois, respectively.

Media won’t be in attendance on Monday, so fans will have to wait until Tuesday for further clarification of Harris’ long-term status.

Houston is trending upward with the return of Pro Bowlers Joe Mixon and Laremy Tunsil, but the defense would love to feel close to being complete.

Harris, who recorded a career-high 102 tackles last season, is a missing link. His impact is felt when on the field and certainly missed when gone.