Tag: Houston Texans 2024

Analysis: Texans lose more than a game against Chiefs in Week 16

The Houston Texans lost more than a football game on Saturday afternoon against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Houston Texans lost to a team that many believe is the league’s best offense when everything is clicking.

They lost more heading into the final two games of the regular season.

Wide receiver Tank Dell was carted off and taken to a local hospital after hauling in a 30-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud during the team’s 27-19 loss at Arrowhead Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Dell would stay overnight to be monitored for what’s being ruled a “significant” knee injury.

Dell, who suffered a season-ending leg injury last December, came down the pass but collided with fellow teammate Jared Wayne as he hit the turf. It was clear that the second-year receiver needed immediate medical attention as the scene went somber around the stadium for several minutes.

Stroud was seen visibly upset after the play. He needed to be consoled by running back Joe Mixon as Dell was loaded into the ambulance and taken to a nearby hospital.

Even after Dell was taken off the field, Stroud remained by the ambulance door and waited for his teammate to leave. Since being drafted last year, the second-year passer has considered Dell one of his best friends.

“Losing Tank, we lost one of our most explosive players, so everything around him has to pick him up,” Ryans said. “It’s difficult to defend when you have Nico [Collins] and Tank, and that changes things offensively.”

Dell was having his best game of the season for an offense needing a secondary threat in the passing game. He had six catches for 98 yards and the touchdown grab before leaving.

Stroud finished with 244 yards and two touchdown passes, but also had two interceptions, including one that led to an early 15-yard rushing touchdown from Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes, who had been dealing with a high ankle sprain throughout the week, threw for 260 yards and a touchdown while running in another score.

Chiefs rookie receiver Xavier Worthy finished with a team-high seven catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. Running back Kareem Hunt ran for 55 yards and another score.

In his first game back from a preseason shoulder injury, receiver Marquise Brown had five catches for 45 yards.

Dell was the most frightening injury, but not the only one suffered. Offensive lineman Shaq Mason (left knee) left on the fourth play of the game and did not return.

Safety Jimmie Ward (foot) was hurt late in the first half and needed to be carted off. His status for the remainder of the regular season remains questionable.

Houston tried to respond following Dell’s injury, but could only muster up a 33-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn. The Texans have already clinched the AFC South, so their postseason goals remain intact.

Three injuries, including one to a depleted receiver room, is the last thing the Texans could afford.

It’s now the reality of the hand dealt before the holidays.

Patrick Mahomes injury update: Will Chiefs QB start vs. Texans?

Here’s the latest injury update on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Texans.

The Houston Texans could face off against two quarterbacks at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes suffered a mild high-ankle sprain during Sunday’s road win over the Cleveland Browns. While the injury looked serious at the time, it doesn’t appear that it is going to keep the two-time MVP off the field for long.

The three-time Super Bowl champion was a full participant at practice all three days, including Thursday’s walkthrough period. Barring a setback, it’s expected that he will at least start Saturday’s game against the defending AFC South champions.

Here’s what to know about Mahomes’ status for Week 16.

Patrick Mahomes injury update

Chiefs coach Andy Reid provided an encouraging update about his Mahomes before the team’s final practice of the short week on Thursday.

“He’ll most likely end up playing,” Reid said. “We’ll just see how things work out today.”

Kansas City also removed from the injury report on Thursday following drills.

Reid admitted that at the time of the prognosis, he wasn’t sure that Mahomes would suit up with a short week ahead. He also said it wasn’t a surprise that Mahomes was on the verge of pulling off the quick recovery that usually keeps players sidelined for multiple weeks.

“I’ve been through it with him before and he amazes me every time he does it,” Reid said of Mahomes’ injury recovery. “He’s so mentally tough. It’s a mindset he has going into it. Where he was a few days ago, I’d probably say it was a longshot. He’s done well with it.”

Kansas City can’t clinch the No. 1 seed with a win on Saturday, but it could push itself further ahead of Buffalo with a victory. Should the Chiefs defeat the Texans, they would need a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers to control the AFC path.

Reid, who mentioned earlier in the week that the team had faith in Carson Wentz to start if need be, said Mahomes looked healthy in practice, making him confident that the quarterback could play in Week 16.

“He moved around pretty good,” Reid said. “You’re always looking to make sure they can get out of the way, not to further any harm to them.”

High-ankle sprain recovery timeline

Recovery time differs per injury. A Mild sprain typically heals within 2-4 weeks. Moderate to severe sprains take 6-12 weeks to heal, per Dr. Scott Dixon of Integrative PT.

If Mahomes stays in the game, this would mark the second time he’s played on an injured ankle. He first suffered the injury in the team’s divisional-round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023; he returned to the game after halftime with his ankle heavily taped.

He aggravated that injury in the Super Bowl but played through it to deliver Kansas City its second Lombardi Trophy.

Patrick Mahomes stats

In 14 games, Mahomes has completed 66.7% of his passes for 3,348 yards and 22 touchdown passes against 11 interceptions. He’s also rushed for 262 yards and a touchdown.

Chiefs vs. Texans injury report: Latest updates, news for Thursday

Here’s the injury report from Thursday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs

Here are the full injury reports from Thursday’s final practice ahead of the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs matchup at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 16.

Houston Texans (9-5)

OUT

  • OL Juice Scruggs (foot)
  • WR John Metchie III (shoulder)
  • DL Foley Fatukasi (ankle)
  • TE Cade Stover (illness)

QUESTIONABLE

  • LB Christian Harris (ankle)

PROABLE

  • RB Joe Mixon (ankle)
  • QB Davis Mills (illness)
  • LB Del’Shawn Phillips (foot)
  • OL Kenyon Green (shoulder
  • OL Nick Broker (hand)

Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)

OUT

  • OT D.J. Humphries (hamstring)
  • DB Chamarri Conner (concussion)

QUESTIONABLE

PROBABLE

  • WR Hollywood Brown (shoulder)
  • OL Creed Humphrey (ankle)
  • K Harrison Bader (knee)
  • QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle)
  • OT Jawaan Taylor (knee)

Texans officially activate former starter from injured reserve

The Texans are bringing back a former first-round pick for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Kenyon Green is back.

The Houston Texans officially activated the former first-round pick from the injured reserve on Wednesday morning. Green participated fully in practice Tuesday after missing over a month with a shoulder injury suffered against the New York Jets.

The Texans might have back the former two-time All-American, but he’s not expected to start this weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium. Right tackle Tytus Howard is expected to remain at left guard next to All-Pro Laremy Tunsil.

In place of Howard, second-round pick Blake Fisher is expected to start once more. The former Notre Dame star started in Week 15’s 20-12 victory over the Miami Dolphins and flashed potential, allowing three pressures but zero sacks.

Having Green back does provide ample depth. The Texans need some stability with Juice Scruggs out with a foot injury suffered before the bye week.

Before the injury, Green had been struggling. He allowed seven pressures, one sack, two quarterback hits and posted a season-low 21.9 pass-blocking grade during Week 8’s win over the Colts.

Jarrett Patterson came in to replace him but left a drive later with a concussion, thus forcing Green back into the starting job.

Kickoff is set for noon CT. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

All-Pro WR released by Dolphins before Week 15 matchup vs. Texans

As Week 15 approaches, the Miami Dolphins are making an aggressive move before taking on the Houston Texans.

Odell Beckham Jr. won’t be finding his way into the end zone at NRG Stadium this Sunday against the Houston Texans.

The former All-Pro receiver and Miami Dolphins mutually agreed to part ways after eight games Thursday evening with four games remaining in the regular season.

The Dolphins announced Friday morning that Beckham was waived. He’ll remain on waivers until Monday, where a team could claim him and pick up the remaining money on his one-year $3 million deal signed this offseason.

This seemed to be in the works leading up to Week 15’s showdown. Beckham missed the past two days of practice, citing “personal reasons” for his absence.

After undergoing knee surgery earlier in the offseason, Beckham started the season on the physically unable to perform list. Once activated, he was used in a limited role, hauling in nine passes for 55 yards in nine games.

When he initially signed, Miami figured the former Super Bowl champion would presumably be the third receiving option behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. That never happened since veteran tight end Jonnu Smith emerged as the team’s best option in the red zone.

Since inking a one-year deal this offseason, Smith has totaled 61 catches for 692 yards and five touchdowns.

“Jonnu’s really done a good job of just being another factor in some of those spaces if you’re committing too many resources to the outside part of the field, or whatever,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said Thursday. “He’s a good enough athlete, he always has been, that they interchange those positions.

“He’s another good athlete that can create matchup problems for you. So, we’re going to be at the task, but it’s a challenge for us to matchup with all of those guys and keep them from, again, like I said, getting into open space.”

The Dolphins have also gotten exceptional play out of rookie receiver Malik Washington and veteran receiver River Cracraft in short throws and on special teams. Running back De’Von Achane also is a factor in the passing attack for a surging Tua Tagovailoa.

Miami has won four of its past five games heading into Sunday. With a win and a Colts’ lost, the Texans would clinch a second consecutive AFC South divisional title.

Texans odds: Houston opens as slight home favorite over Dolphins

The Houston Texans return to NRG Stadium as a favorite over the red-hot Miami Dolphins in Week 15.

Fresh off a bye week, the Houston Texans return home to take on the red-hot Miami Dolphins in Week 15. With a win, Houston would inch closer to securing a playoff berth and the AFC South division title. 

Houston (8-5) enters Sunday’s showdown a 3.5-point favorite against a Maimi (6-7) roster that’s won four of its last five games, according to odds from BetMGM. The over/under for points is currently set at 47.

The Dolphins surged their way back down eight points to secure a 32-26 overtime victory against the New York Jets, thus eliminating the AFC East franchise from the postseason picture. Tua Tagovailoa threw two late touchdown passes, including the 10-yard score to tight end Jonnu Smith in overtime. 

“When the Dolphins play well, they have a really good quarterback play. Tua [Tagovailoa] when he is on, getting the ball out fairly quickly and there is a lot of speed on the field,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. “Whoever he gets the ball to, whether it’s [De’Von] Achane or its [Tyreek] Hill, [Jaylen] Waddle, Jonnu, all those guys play extremely fast. 

“They have the ability to take a five-yard pass and turn it into an explosive.”

Week 15’s matchup will have extensive playoff implications for both parties. If the Dolphins lost, the Denver Broncos could be in a playoff-clinching scenario come Week 16. Should Houston win, it would create the same outlook if the Indianapolis Colts were to lose on the road against Denver. 

The Texans lead the all-time series, 8-3, but have lost the previous two matchups, including a 30-15 loss in their most recent showdown in 2022.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT. 

Even Tom Brady is defending Azeez Al-Shaair after controversial hit on Trevor Lawrence

If the G.O.A.T. has a problem with Azeez Al-Shaair’s suspension, the NFL might be in the wrong.

If someone sneezed wrong on Tom Brady, a 15-yard penalty would be in the works. That’s how much respect the seven-time Super Bowl champion earned during his two-decade career while serving as the face of the NFL.

Brady also knows that the NFL is a violent game, meaning agonizing hits will be a part of the sport, especially against the quarterback. On Sunday, that was made clear when Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair drilled Jacksonville Jaguars Trevor Lawrence while he was trying to slide for a first down.

When asked about the play and eventual suspension on FS1’s “The Herd,” Brady was sympathetic to Al-Shaair and other defensive players.

“Certainly for Trevor Lawrence, nobody wants to see anybody get hurt, but it also is the reality of a very physical sport that we play,” Brady said. “But defensive players have to be aggressive. That’s their nature. I always tried to be aggressive on offense and at the same time, the defense tries to tackle aggressively.”

Lawrence, who had just returned to the lineup after missing two games with a shoulder injury, began to slide right before the first down marker after a pickup of six. As the slide began, Al-Shaair left his feet and led with his forearm toward the quarterback’s face, resulting in Lawrence’s head hitting the turf.

Following a brawl between the two teams, Lawerence left the field on a cart and was ruled out with a concussion.

While Brady was sympathetic with Lawrence, he also reminded quarterbacks to protect themselves when they leave the pocket and become runners.

“Certainly, the quarterbacks need to take better care of themselves. I see Josh Allen running a lot. I see Lamar Jackson running a lot,” Brady said.  “Certainly, it’s a great skill set to have. … At the same time, when you run, you put yourself in a lot of danger. And when you do that, I don’t think the onus on protecting an offensive quarterback who’s running should be on a defensive player. I don’t think that’s really fair to the defense. If you slide, everyone can argue, was it black and white or was it a gray area? Did you slide late or was it unnecessary roughness? Or is it a late hit? To me, a late hit is very late.”

Brady also said it was unfair to fans to call Al-Shaair a “dirty player” because of a rough hit.

“If we don’t want these hits to take place, we’ve got to penalize the offense and the defense rather than just penalize the defensive player for every single play that happens when there’s a hit on the quarterback,” Brady said.

Al-Shaair, the Texans’ defensive captain, plans to appeal the suspension on Wednesday afternoon.

Watch: Hell breaks loose between Texans and Jaguars after Trevor Lawerence hit

Azeez Al-Shaair has been ejected from Sunday’s contest after a late hit that knocked out Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawerence.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

It’s a war zone in Duval County entering halftime between the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair delivered a late hit on a sliding Trevor Lawrence during the closing minutes of the second quarter. Lawrence lay sprawled out and needed immediate medical assistance.

That was only the start of the events. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram attacked Al-Shaair after the play, and the fight broke out near the Jaguars’ sidelines between both sides.

Several minutes after the brawl was eased, Lawrence was carted off and immediately ruled out with a head injury. After further review, Al-Shaair and Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones were ejected for starting the fight.

Here’s a look at the hit below.

After the disqualifications were announced, Al-Shaair, who has been the Texans’ top defensive leader, continued jawing with Jaguars players, including offensive lineman Brandon Scherff.

Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, defensive end Will Anderson Jr.,and running back Joe Mixon held their teammate back. Jacksonville fans hurled debris and jeers at Al-Shaair as he finally headed up the tunnel.

Al-Shaair knows better. It was an avoidable hit that should have never been in jeopardy once Lawrence began to slide. Even the most loyal of Texans’ fans can admit the hit deserved an ejection.

Al-Shaair can expect a fine from the league office and perhaps a suspension once Houston returns from its bye week to take on the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 15.

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. named NFL Global Flag Football Ambassador

Will Anderson Jr. is more than just a player on the field for the Houston Texans.

Will Anderson Jr. is the epitome of “all-around good guy” for the Houston Texans. It’s why he continues to pick the hardware whenever there’s an opportunity.

The Texans announced Anderson as an NFL Global Flag Football Ambassador. Anderson joins current NFL and flag football players, Legends, coaches and officials who work together to raise the global profile and promote one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

According to the Texans public relations department,  U.S. Women’s National Flag Team star and Texas native Ashlea Klam will also represent the Texans as a Global Flag Football Ambassador. Klam has played flag football since the age of 6 and serves as an inspiration to young girls who strive to represent their country by playing the sport they love.

She was recognized on-field at NRG Stadium during the team’s Week 12 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

Anderson remains one of the league’s top pass rushers as his second season comes to a close. While sharing the spotlight with four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter, the former No. 3 overall pick ranks in the top 10 among all defenders in sacks (9.5), tackles for loss (12.5) and QB hits (31).

The Texans travel to EverBank Stadium to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday at noon CT.

Texans vs. Jaguars injury report: Latest updates, news for Thursday

Here’s the injury report from Thursday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Here are the full injury reports from Thursday’s practice for the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of their Week 13 matchup at EverBank Stadium:

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

Did not practice

  • LB Yasir Abdullah (hamstring)

Limited participation 

  • CB Tyson Campbell (shoulder)
  • QB Trevor Lawrence (non-throwing shoulder)

Full practice

  • RB Tank Bigsby (ankle)
  • OL Brandon Scherff (knee/shoulder)

Houston Texans (7-5)

Did not practice

  • DT Folorunso Fatukasi (foot)
  • DB Jalen Pitre (shoulder)

Limited participation 

  • LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee)
  • DE Will Anderson Jr. (ankle)
  • DE Denico Autry (knee/oblique)
  • WR Xavier Hutchinson (shoulder)

Full practice

  • OT Blake Fisher (concussion)
  • DB Jimmie Ward (knee)

* Bold indicates an upgrade from Wednesday’s practice.

Note: TE Teagan Quitoriano was moved from the injury report to the injured reserve on Thursday morning. 

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.