Tag: Colts vs. Texans

Texans-Colts Week 8: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

Here’s the snap count from the Texans’ 23-20 win over the Colts on Sunday at NRG Stadium.

Joe Mixon is off to the race for the fourth time in five games and loves nothing more than showing up against the Indianapolis Colts.

Mixon headlined the Houston Texans’ offense with a 102-yard rushing performance in Sunday’s 23-20 win at NRG Stadium. With that performance, Mixon became the first player in NFL history to have at least 100 yards rushing and a TD run in four of his first five games with a team.

“I’m in my element. I’m in my zone,” Mixon said. “It’s a great thing where I can be able to try to do whatever I can to put the team on my back.”

While Mixon found the end zone on a 14-yard run during the second quarter, C.J. Stroud also had a strong outing through the air. A week after throwing for 86 yards, Stroud threw for 285 yards and a touchdown while helping Houston secure a 3-0 lead in the AFC South division standings.

Houston’s defensive front also delivered, totaling five sacks, 11 tackles for loss and two turnovers. Jalen Pitre’s interception against Anthony Richardson in the second quarter led to a Tank Dell 7-yard touchdown before halftime.

Danielle Hunter’s strip sack secured the win after Richardson tried to find one of his receivers on a last-second Hail Mary attempt.

Here’s the total for Sunday’s game at Lambeau.

Offensive snaps: 71
Defensive snaps: 64
Special teams snaps: 13

Stefon Diggs, who finished with a team-leading five catches for 81 played a season-low 38 snaps after leaving in the third quarter with a knee injury. Without him, John Metchie III played a season-high 20 snaps. Xavier Hutchinson played 44 snaps. Robert Woods played 24.

Defensively, Neville Hewitt played all 64 snaps at middle linebacker and served as the Texans’ captain in place of Azeez Al-Shaair. Newcomer Devin White played in only 50% of snaps while Jake Hasen rotated in as the replacement for Henry To’oTo’o.

In his first game back, rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter played 100% of snaps opposite Derek Stingley Jr. He had three pass breakups and a near-interception in the second quarter.

The Texans hit the road on a short week to face off against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT.

Texans OL Kenyon Green gives honest assessment of performance in Week 8 win over Colts

Kenyon Green will be the first to tell you that his performance on Sunday for the Houston Texans was not up to his standard.

(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccurate headline.)

Kenyon Green didn’t need to hear outsiders break down his performance in the Houston Texans’ 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

The third-year offensive lineman knew he wasn’t good enough to stay in the game after the first three drives.

“I wasn’t playing well, so they had to make changes,” Green said postgame.

Nearing the end of the first quarter, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans elected to pull Green from the starting lineup in favor of second-year lineman Jarrett Patterson. Ten plays and 70 yards later, Houston tied the game at 10 as Patterson opened a running lane for Joe Mixon to score on a 14-yard run.

But the touchdown came at a cost. Patterson remained on the ground after running into Colts linebacker E.J. Speed. He was helped off the field and later ruled out and he was treated for a concussion.

That led to Green returning for the rest of the afternoon. After allowing an early sack, the former first-round pick improved, though he did allow Grover Stewart to win his one-on-one battle to tackle Mixon for a loss of six yards in the third quarter.

“Do my job, that’s all I need to do,” Green said.

The Texans’ offensive line has dealt with issues all season. Last week, the unit was criticized for allowing quarterback C.J. Stroud to be under pressure for 48% of drop-backs. According to NextGen stats, it was worse this week at 57.5%, even without Green in the starting lineup.

“It felt like we can definitely be better, especially on my end,” Green told reporters.

Green has been the team’s most inconsistent option, but he enters Sunday as potentially the only one left. Patterson must clear concussion protocol before he can return to practice at full capacity.

The Texans have a short week ahead, facing the Jets in New York on Thursday night. Green could be required to start and given one last chance to remain the full-time option, but DeMeco Ryans did not specify what’s the plan moving into a quick turnaround on Monday.

“As we keep going, we’ll keep evaluating our offensive line and see where our guys are,” Ryans said.

Texans provide update on WR Stefon Diggs

The Texans have a small update on Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said that Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs is being evaluated for a knee injury suffered during a non-contact play in the third quarter of Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

“Unfortunate to see Stef go down there,” Ryans said. “He’s still being evaluated for a knee. We’ll find out further information as the week goes on.”

Diggs, who had taken over as the No. 1 option after Nico Collins was placed on the injured reserve, tried to break open on a route when he pulled up and grabbed at his right knee before falling to the ground.

Trainers checked on him for several minutes before he was able to walk off the field on his own power. He immediately entered the locker room and was ruled out minutes later.

“Prayers go out to Stef. God doesn’t make any mistakes. I hope he’s OK,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “I don’t know what’s going on yet. I’m praying and hoping he starts to feel better … Not easy seeing him go down.”

Diggs, who ranks fifth nationally in receptions (47),  is second on the Texans in yards with 496. He was on his way to his first 100-yard outing after hauling in a 49-yard catch in the third quarter.

He finished the afternoon with a team-leading five catches for 81 yards.

“That’s my brother,” Texans receiver Tank Dell said. “I just pray that whatever happens it’s something minor and he can get back out there with us Thursday.”

Houston is already struggling at receiver with Collins on the injured reserve. If Diggs were to miss time, the Texans would be without their top two targets at least through next week’s matchup on “Thursday Night Football” against the New York Jets.

Collins, who previously led the NFL in receiving yards, is progressing well and should be back for Sunday Night Football’s matchup against the Detroit Lions. He was placed on the injured reserve following Week 5’s win over the Bills and would be cleared on Monday, Nov. 4.

If Diggs is sidelined for a significant amount of time, Dell will become the go-to option in the passing attack until Collins returns.

The second-year receiver has struggled to produce like he did in his rookie year, but he did haul in a 7-yard touchdown catch during the second quarter and finished with 32 yards.

Houston will also turn to Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie III and Robert Woods in larger roles than perhaps envisioned.

Metchie caught three passes for 29 yards. Woods finished with two catches for 18 yards and Hutchinson finished with one catch for 19 yards.

The Texans could also trade for a potential receiver before the deadline on Nov. 5.

Kickoff from MetLife Stadium next week is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT next Thursday.

Will Azeez Al-Shaair play this week? Latest injury updates for Texans LB

Will Azeez Al-Shaair be back for the Houston Texans in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts?

Looking to remain undefeated in divisional play, the Houston Texans return to NRG Stadium for a Week 8 showdown against the Indianapolis Colts. 

The winner of Sunday’s game will have not just bragging rights, but also a slight lead in the race for the AFC South division title at 2-1. The Texans enter Sunday’s matchup as a 6.5-point favorite and should be healthier than they were last week at Lambeau Field. 

But will star linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair be among those suiting up for Week 8’s showdown? Here’s what fans need to know heading into Sunday’s matchup. 

Azeez Al-Shaair injury update

Al-Shaair suffered a knee injury in the third quarter of the team’s Week 6 win over the New England Patriots. While he returned for several drives, the veteran did not play in the fourth quarter.

Houston elected to let Al-Shaair rest up in Week 7, but he hasn’t participated in practice over the past two weeks. Houston officially ruled out the linebacker and will turn to newcomer Devin White, who recently signed a one-year deal earlier this week. 

Al-Shaair has been an essential member of Houston’s front seven and remains the captain on the field. He’s second in total tackles (40), third in tackles for loss (4.5), fourth in pass breakups (4) and has a sack in six games. 

How long will Azeez Al-Shaair be out?

There’s no timetable for Al-Shaair’s injury, but he could be out at least two more games should he not practice on Tuesday. The Texans have a quick turnaround following Sunday’s game as they’ll travel to MetLife Stadium to face off against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football. 

If Al-Shaair is out because of the short week, he’ll more than likely be cleared to return for Week 10’s matchup against the Detriot Lions on Sunday Night Football. 

Texans linebacker depth chart

Linebacker remains a question mark entering Sunday’s contest among starters. While Al-Shaair was ruled out, second-year starter and leading tackler Henry To’oTo’o was listed as questionable with a concussion. He missed Week 7 after leaving with a concussion during the fourth quarter against New England. 

Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen started last week and flashed. Hewitt led the team with eight tackles and recorded an interception. Hansen recorded seven stops. 

White, a former All-Pro for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, isn’t expected to start but could see prominent reps as the No. 3 option. If Al-Shaair misses next week’s game, it wouldn’t be shocking to see an expanded role for the former first-round defender. 

Last season with the Buccaneers, White had 83 tackles, six pass deflections and two interceptions. 

Colts vs. Texans injury report: Latest updates, news for Friday

Here are the latest updates and news on the Houston Texans injury report ahead of Week 8’s game against the Indianapolis Colts following Friday’s practice.

Kamari Lassiter is back for the Houston Texans.

Lassiter, the Texans’ second-round pick out of Georgia, was a full participant during Friday’s drills and is expected to start this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. The rookie defensive back had been dealing with a scapula fracture, a rare football injury involving the back of the shoulder blade suffered during an offensive pass interference infraction against the Buffalo Bills.

He’s missed the last two games but returned to practice in limited fashion on Wedensday and Thursday.

The status of linebacker Henry To’oTo’o remains questionable. After returning to practice as a limited participant on Wednesday, the second-year starter missed Thursday’s practice and was limited on Friday.

To’oTo’o suffered a concussion in Week 6 and did not play in last week’s loss against the Green Bay Packers.

Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and defensive back Jimmie Ward (groin) missed practice for the sixth consecutive day and have been ruled out for Sunday’s game. This will mark the second game without Al-Shaair and the fourth game without Ward.

Rookie Calen Bullock, who recorded his third career interception against Jordan Love, is expected to start opposite Eric Murray.

Both receivers Robert Woods (foot) and Steven Sims (back) were full participants in running drills during Friday’s practice and will be cleared to play. Reserve cornerback D’Angelo Ross, who started in Lassiter’s place last weekend, returned to practice after missing Thursday because of an illness.

On the opposing side, the Colts will have both defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and running back Jonathan Taylor back for Sunday’s game. Buckner had been on the injured reserve while Taylor missed two games because of an ankle injury.

Buckner did not practice on Friday and is listed as questionable.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Texans and Colts after Friday’s practice. With a win on Sunday, the Texans would finish with at least a .500 record in divisional play for 2024.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Houston Texans (5-2)

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Indianapolis Colts (4-3)

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Kamari Lassiter injury update: Is Texans CB playing Week 8 vs. Colts?

Will Kamari Lassiter be back for the Houston Texans in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts?

Kamari Lassiter is back at practice and feeling like his usual self. That’s a sign in the right direction for the Houston Texans rookie cornerback as the AFC South favorites welcome the Indianapolis Colts to NRG Stadium in Week 8.

After missing the past two games, countless Texans fans have begun wondering if Lassier will return for Sunday’s divisional matchup. The former Georgia star played through a scapula injury suffered in Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills but then was ruled inactive in Week 6 and Week 7.

Is he set to return now with the Texans’ two-game road trip over?

Kamari Lassiter injury update

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans noted that even having Lassiter back in limited participation was a sign in the right direction after having limited movement in the shoulder blade the past two weeks.

“It’s encouraging any time you can get those guys back out on the field,” Ryans said Wednesday. “So, good to get him back and we’ll see day by day, see how they continue to progress and see if they can help us this week.”

Lassiter was listed as a limited participant when the Week 8 practice report was released on Wednesday. He was a full participant Friday, meaning there’s a good chance he’s medically cleared to return to drills.

Is Kamari Lassiter playing in Week 8?

Barring a last-second change of heart, Lassiter should be good to go for Sunday’s matchup. That’s a win for the Texans’ secondary following last week’s 24-22 loss against the Green Bays Packers at Lambeau Field.

While D’Angelo Ross played well in Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots, he gave up 95 yards in coverage on seven catches and a touchdown against Jordan Love.

This season, Lassiter has been one of the better rookie cornerbacks. He’s recorded 15 tackles, two for losses, three pass deflections and an interception. According to Pro Football Focus, opposing quarterbacks have completed 9 of 24 passes against Lassiter for 193 yards.

Texans CB depth chart

Lassiter is the clear-cut No. 2 option behind Pro Bowl defender Derek Stingley Jr. in coverage. Behind the duo, there’s little starting talent that eases fans’ hearts.

Below is a look at Houston’s cornerback rotation:

  1. Derek Stingley Jr.
  2. Kamari Lassiter
  3. D’Angelo Ross
  4. Ka’Dar Hollmon
  5. Kris Boyd.

Stingley has been one of the league’s better cover corners the last two seasons when healthy. Ross and Boyd are standouts on special teams are known for their consistent tackling skills.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Poll: Who wins Sunday’s Colts-Texans game in Week 8?

Who walks away with a win on Sunday at NRG Stadium between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts?

The Houston Texans are ready to keep their winning streak alive at home when they return to NRG Stadium this Sunday to face off against the Indianapolis Colts.

Recent history has been kind to Houston in the matchup against the AFC South opponent. Longevity, however, hasn’t. The Colts have won or tied in six of the last 10 matchups dating back to 2019.

The Texans secured a 29-27 victory in Week 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium behind a stellar rushing performance and debut from Joe Mixon. Nico Collins also finished with 117 receiving yards off six catches and set up a pair of scoring drives to Stefon Diggs.

The two teams are trending in opposite directions as October comes to a close. Houston will be without Collins as he mends a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, the Colts will get back Jonathan Taylor and All-Pro defensive lineman DeForest Buckner.

“He’s a good guy in the pass game.” offensive lineman Tytus Howard said of Buckner. “He’s a guy that can get to the quarterback. He’s been getting to the quarterback for a long time in this league. We just got to get up there and be physical with him.”

With a win on Sunday, the Texans would finish at least at .500 in divisional play with three matchups remaining. At 6-2, Houston would keep pace as the No. 2 team in the AFC behind undefeated Kansas City.

A Colts win would not only secure a 2-2 start in division play, but would also create a tie with Houston at 5-3 for the division lead. Indianapolis doesn’t feel like a playoff team yet, but some rosters take weeks to get the footing before attacking.

Is this a trap game for the AFC South favorites? Can Anthony Richardson recreate his first-quarter success from Week 2 of last season and go 2-0 on the road against C.J. Stroud?

Who do you have winning Sunday’s game? Make sure to vote in the poll below.

Texans schedule: Who is Houston playing in Week 8? 

Are the Houston Texans playing this week? Here’s a look at the schedule and the games to come. 

Heading home with a chance to regroup, the Houston Texans will look to keep their undefeated streak at NRG Stadium alive entering October.

Who is next on the schedule following a 24-22 loss against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field? Let’s discuss below.

Who will the Texans play in Week 8 of the NFL schedule?

Houston takes on the Indianapolis Colts in a rematch of Week 1’s battle at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Texans secured a 29-27 victory over their AFC South rival thanks to a 159-yard outing from running back Joe Mixon.

The Texans lost 31-20 last season in Week 2 at home after Anthony Richardson set the tone with a two-touchdown performance in the first quarter. C.J. Stroud eventually found a rhythm and completed two touchdown passes, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.

Indianapolis has actually thrived playing at NRG Stadium over the past decade, holding a 7-2-1 record in the past 10 games.

Texans 2024 schedule

  • Sept. 8: at Indianpolis (W, 29-27)
  • Sept. 15: vs. Chicago (W, 19-13)
  • Sept. 22: at Minnesota (L, 34-7)
  • Sept. 29: vs. Jacksonville (W, 24-20)
  • Oct. 6: vs. Buffalo (W, 23-20)
  • Oct. 13: at New England (W, 41-21)
  • Oct. 20: at Green Bay (L, 24-22)
  • Oct. 27: vs. Indianpolis
  • Oct. 31: at New York Jets
  • Nov. 10: vs. Detriot
  • Nov. 18: at Dallas
  • Nov. 24: vs. Tennessee
  • Dec. 1: at Jacksonville
  • Dec. 8: Bye Week
  • Dec. 15: vs. Miami
  • Dec. 21: at Kansas City
  • Dec. 25: vs. Baltimore
  • Jan. 6: at Tennessee
  • Record: 5-2

Instant analysis: Newcomers shine for Texans in 29-27 win over Colts

Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs shined in their debut with the Houston Texans en route to a win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon feel right at home in Houston.

Mixon rushed for 159 yards and scored a 3-yard touchdown as the Houston Texans secured a 29-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Diggs finished with a team-leading six catches for 33 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning 3-yard score in the fourth quarter.

The Texans wanted to build around reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud while still on his cost-friendly contract. Mixon, who spent the past seven years with the Cincinnati Bengals, inked a three-year deal worth $27 million this offseason.

Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl receiver with the Buffalo Bills, was looking for a change of scenery after tensions rose following four playoff exits.
Stroud completed 24 of 32 pass attempts for 234 yards.

Six of those passes went to Nico Collins, who finished with a team-leading 117 receiving yards on six receptions.

Collins, who last season totaled 195 yards in the Week 18 division-clinching win, helped set the tone in the second quarter with a 56-yard reception, pushing Houston into Indianapolis territory. Diggs, who became the eighth active receiver to surpass 10,000 career receiving yards in the first quarter, secured his first touchdown with a 9-yard reception.

Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson nearly wielded the Colts to victory in his first game back since suffering a season-ending shoulder injury last October. Combined with a blend of mobility and deep ball accuracy, the former No. 4 overall pick finished with 212 passing yards, 56 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns.

Both teams were aggressive in the fourth quarter to secure a division-defining win. On fourth-and-goal, Stroud found Diggs for a score to extend Houston’s lead to nine.

Richardson, who connected with Alec Pierce for a 57-yard completion on the ensuing drive, kept it himself on fourth-and-goal for a 3-yard touchdown run.

Mixon, who became the first Texans’ running back since Dameon Pierce in 2022 to rush for 100 yards in a single game, secured the win on a 9-yard run on third-and-short. Stroud might have done most of the heavy lifting for a 12-yard competition to Collins on a 3rd-and-11 near the sidelines.

The Texans return to NRG Stadium for their home opener against the Chicago Bears next Sunday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 p.m.

Watch: RB Joe Mixon scores first TD with Texans

Joe Mixon caps off his perfect debut for the Houston Texans with a game-changing touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts.

A new version of Houston Texans football has taken Lucas Oil Stadium by storm.

Joe Mixon continued his dominant debut for his new team with a 3-yard touchdown to give the Texans a two-score lead against the Indianapolis Colts. He’s already become the first running back in two years to rush for 100 yards in a single game midway through the fourth quarter.

https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1832861697884782980

The 13-play, 70-yard drive reached its peak when C.J. Stroud found Nico Collins for 19 yards on third-and-14. Mixon, who’s averaged 5.3 yards per rush attempt, has been the backbone of the offense.

The Colts responded four plays later when Anthony Richardson connected with Ashton Dulin for a 54-yard touchdown.

It’s a fight to the finish between the two AFC South squads with bad blood after last season.