Tag: Houston Texans 2024

Texans vs Jets inactive report: Latest updates, news for Week 9 on Thursday Night Football

Here’s the latest updates and news on Texans’ inactive report ahead of a Week 9 game vs. the Jets

The Houston Texans (6-2) will battle the New York Jets (2-6) on Thursday Night Football in Week 9 at MetLife Stadium for bragging rights in the AFC.

With a win, the Texans will take sole possession of second place in the AFC and remain one game behind Kansas City for the conference lead and potential home-field advantage.

The Texans must prove they can win at less than 100% on offense. Nico Collins remains on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Stefon Diggs’ tenure off NRG Drive could be over after the four-time Pro Bowler suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 8’s win against the Colts.

Here are the inactive lists for both teams in a battle for bragging rights to close out the month of October.

Texans inactive report

Jets inactive report

Texans schedule 2024

  • Sept. 8: at Indianapolis (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. Indianapolis (W, 23-20)
  • Record: 6-2

Jets schedule 2024

  • Sept. 9:  at San Francisco (L, 32-19)
  • Sept. 15: at Tennessee (W, 24-17)
  • Sept. 19: vs. New England  (W, 24-3)
  • Sept. 29: vs. Denver (L, 10-9)
  • Oct. 6: vs. Vikings (LONDON GAME) (L, 23-17)
  • Oct 14: vs. Buffalo (L, 23-20)
  • Oct. 20: at Pittsburgh (L, 35-17)
  • Oct. 27: at New England (L, 25-22)
  • Record: 2-6

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

Will Azeez Al-Shaair be back for the Houston Texans in Week 9 against the New York Jets?

With the Houston Texans on a short week, current injured players might be out again if not fully cleared.

That seems to be the case for defensive captain and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who has remained sidelined for the previous two games after suffering a knee injury in Week 6’s road win.

Will Al-Shaair suit up on “Thursday Night Football” when the Texans take on the New York Jets? Here’s what happened and his current status entering Thursday morning.

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. He wasn’t cleared by the team’s medical staff to return last week against the Indianapolis Colts, leading to Houston signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Devin White to a one-year deal. 

While Al-Shaair did practice on Tuesday, the Texans ruled him out once more. He will miss his third consecutive game as Houston looks to improve to 7-2 to close out the month of October.

How long will Azeez Al-Shaair be out?

Since Al-Shaair practiced on Tuesday, one could assume he’s close. The Texans will have three days off to recover before beginning Week 10 preparation against the Detroit Lions, which falls on Sunday Night Football and primetime.

It feels likely the window to return is more so in favor of next week rather than Week 11’s showdown on Monday Night Football.

Azeez Al-Shaair stats

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. 

Texans LB depth chart

With Al-Shaair out, the Texans will be down one starter. Henry To’oTo’o, who missed the last two games with a concussion, is expected to start Thursday night as the team’s MIKE linebacker.

Here’s the rest of the linebackers on the active roster:

  • Neville Hewitt
  • Jake Hansen
  • Devin White
  • Jamal Hill
  • Del’Shawn Phillips

Hewitt led the team in tackles back-to-back weeks in place of Al-Shaair with 15 combined stops. Hansen recorded 10 stops in two games. 

White, a former first-round pick in 2019, isn’t expected to start but could see prominent reps as the No. 3 option. Last week against the Colts, he recorded three tackles.

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

Will Jarrett Patterson play today vs. Jets? Injury updates for Texans OL

Houston Texans OL Jarrett Patterson is dealing with a concussion entering Thursday’s game against the New York Jets. Here are the latest updates.

With the Houston Texans on a short week, current injured players might be out again if not fully cleared. 

That seems to be the case for second-year offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson, who suffered a concussion during Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts. 

Will Patterson suit up on “Thursday Night Football” when the Texans take on the New York Jets? Here’s what happened and his current status entering Thursday morning.

 Jarrett Patterson injury update

Patterson, who replaced former first-round pick Kenyon Green, suffered a concussion during the second quarter when he set up a block for Joe Mixon’s 14-yard touchdown run. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday that the former Notre Dame offensive lineman was in the concussion protocol. 

“Jarrett did a really nice job when he went in and had some good plays,” Ryans said. “Unfortunately, he was out and Kenyon was back in.”

The Texans ruled out Patterson as he remains in concussion protocol. He did not practice this week and will not be able to return until cleared by the team’s medical staff. 

How long will Jarrett Patterson be out?

For now, Patterson might only miss Thursday’s game. The Texans play next Sunday night, so Houston will have nearly 10 days to evaluate him before deciding on his immediate status. 

Green, who improved when he returned to the starting lineup, likely will start for the ninth consecutive game, though the Texans could also turn to veteran Kendrick Green if he struggles. 

Jarrett Patterson stats

Patterson started last season at left guard after Green was ruled out with a season-ending shoulder injury. He suffered a knee injury in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers and was placed on the injured reserve. 

Texans OL depth chart

The Texans should feel good about their depth on the offensive line, but questions start when asked who can thrive in first-team reps. Here’s the rest of the interior offensive linemen on the active roster:

  • Kenyon Green
  • Kendrick Green
  • Nick Broeker

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

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. making a case for Defensive Player of Year

Will Anderson Jr. very well could be on his way to winning the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award if he keeps up his production.

(This story was updated to change or add a photo or video.)

C.J. Stroud has already proven to be one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL entering his second season with the Houston Texans.

Will Anderson Jr. is holding up his end of the bargain on defense, too.

The former No. 3 overall pick continues to trend upward toward All-Pro honors as the 2024 season reaches the halfway point. Anderson delivered another strong outing in Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts, adding two more sacks to his season total on 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson.

Last season, Anderson finished with seven sacks in 15 games en route to winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. Through eight games, he posted 7.5 to go along with 11 tackles for loss.

To quantify those numbers, Anderson is third overall in sacks behind New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald. He’s first in TFLs, with Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt still two behind him.

Houston was mocked for trading away a future first-round pick to move up nine spots for a defensive end. With Richardson being benched, plus the inconsistent play from Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson, it seems like the Texans made the right call.

At 6-2, Houston remains in the hunt for the No. 1 seed as they take on the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football.

Anderson could add to his sack total with another promising outing against an underwhelming Jets offensive line that’s allowed Aaron Rodgers to be sacked 23 times.

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

Where the Texans rank statistically heading into Week 9

Here’s where the Houston Texans stack up in every category entering Week 9’s showdown against the New York Jets.

The Houston Texans (6-2) will battle the New York  Jets (2-6) in Week 9 on “Thursday Night Football” for bragging rights in the AFC.

The Texans are coming off a 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts, but lost a vital player in the process. Two-time All-Pro Stefon Diggs suffered a torn ACL on a non-contact play in the third quarter and will miss the remainder of the year.

While Diggs is expected to make a full recovery, he’s also a free agent. The Texans are also down top target Nico Collins for at least another week since he isn’t eligible to come off the injured reserve yet.

With Week 9 set to begin, how do the Texans compare to the rest of the NFL this season? Looking at the major metrics (courtesy of Team Rankings, ESPN, The Football Database and StatMuse), here is where Houston ranked following Week 8:

Texans officially place WR Stefon Diggs on season-ending injured reserve

Stefon Diggs’ season with the Houston Texans has come to an end after suffering a torn ACL in Week 8.

Stefon Diggs’ season is officially over.

The Houston Texans placed the four-time Pro Bowler on the reserve/injured reserve Tuesday after suffering a torn ACL during Sunday’s win against the Indianapolis Colts.

Diggs, who will be a free agent at the end of the regular season, is expected to make a full recovery and play in 2025.

“He’s been such an important part to our team and everything that he brought, not only on the field, but off the field. The energy, the leader, the way he worked every single day,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Tuesday. “Have to pick up the slack. A lot of guys have to step up and pick up the slack. Definitely praying for him.”

Acquired this offseason from the Buffalo Bills, Diggs suffered the injury on a non-contact play in 1:51 remaining in the third quarter. He tried to cut inside against Colts defensive back Kenny Moore II on a route and grabbed his right knee, then sat on the turf.

While Diggs walked off on his own power, he headed to the locker room and didn’t return.

“It’s not easy,” Stroud said. “You try to think positively but it’s not a bunch of positive thoughts. And I just really feel bad for him.”

Expected to be the No. 2 option, Diggs had taken over as Stroud’s favorite target with Nico Collins sidelined. He ranked seventh overall in receptions (47) and was second on the team in receiving yards (496).

“He’s one guy who gave his all to everything we ever asked him to do,” Ryans said. “He’s hurting and we’re hurting for him as well.”

The Texans take on the New York Jets Thursday Night at MetLife Stadium at 7:15 p.m. CT.

Texans miss out on potential Stefon Diggs replacement

The Houston Texans miss out on a potential Stefon Diggs replacement after the Baltimore Ravens traded for Diontae Johnson.

While the Houston Texans could be in line to target a receiver via trade after losing Stefon Diggs, Diontae Johnson won’t be an option.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Baltimore Ravens are acquiring the Carolina Panthers receiver in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Carolina will also send Baltimore a 2025 sixth-round pick.

According to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, the Panthers are also paying down some of his salary, meaning that Baltimore will owe Johnson roughly $625K for the rest of the year.

Johnson is on the move for the second this season. Carolina acquired Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers in hopes of elevating its receiving corps under new head coach Dave Canales this offseason.

In seven games with the NFC South franchise, Johnson totaled 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns.

He is now the fourth receiver traded to an AFC team this month, joining former Raiders star Davante Adams (New York Jets), Tennessee Titans All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins (Kansas City Chiefs) and Browns Pro Bowler Amari Cooper (Buffalo Bills).

Diggs, who joined the Texans via trade this offseason from Buffalo, suffered a torn ACL in Week 8’s win over the Indianapolis Colts and will miss the remainder of the season. The four-time Pro Bowler was also in a contract year and will become a free agent this offseason.

“You can’t really — you try to think positively about it, but it’s not a bunch of positive thoughts,” quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “I just feel bad for him. I’m praying for him.”

Houston’s loss comes on short notice as the Texans take on the New York Jets this Thursday. Top target Nico Collins remains on the injured reserve, but he is expected back for Week 10’s showdown against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.

With Collins out, Diggs had been Stroud’s go-to target. In eight games, he ranked seventh in the NFL in catches (47)  and was second on the Texans in yards (496). Diggs also was tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns with three.

“Love everything about Stef and everything he brought to our team,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Praying for him to get back strong.”

How the Texans look without Diggs could factor into Houston targeting a receiver before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 5. Tank Dell, John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson and Robert Woods headline a receiver room that’ needs someone to step up.

Dell should be the favorite to take over as the new No. 1 for Week 9, especially given his relationship with Stroud. So far, the second-year target has struggled to duplicate his rookie success as the No. 3 option.

Through seven games, Dell has totaled 229 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including one in Sunday’s win during the second quarter.

Kickoff from MetLife Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Is Stefon Diggs out for the year? Update on Texans WR

Houston Texans Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs will miss the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Houston Texans have an update on Stefon Diggs. It’s not the one that fans wanted to hear entering Thursday’s game against the New York Jets.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans announced that Diggs suffered a torn ACL during Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts and will miss the remainder of the season.

“It hurts,” Ryans said. “It hurts our team to hear that news. He’s been such an important part of our team and everything that he brought, not only on the field but off the field, the energy, the leadership, the way he worked every single day; he brought a lot to our team.

“It’s definitely a blow to us.”

Stefon Diggs injury update

Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro with the Buffalo Bills, tried to cut inside on a route against Colts cornerback Kenny Moore with 1:51 remaining in the third quarter and immediately dropped to the ground. While he was able to leave the field on his own power, he was on the turf for several minutes while being checked out by the Texans’ medical staff.

How long will Stefon Diggs be out?

Even though the Texans didn’t practice on Monday, the team released an injury report stating that Diggs wouldn’t have practiced. He’s expected to undergo surgery and should be cleared to return at some point next season.

Stefon Diggs stats

With Nico Collins sidelined because of a hamstring injury, Diggs has stepped up as the new No. 1 threat. In his eight games, the All-Pro target led the Texans with 47 receptions, ranks second in receiving yards with 492 and is tied for first in receiving touchdowns with three.

Prior to leaving, Diggs was on pace to record his first 100-yard outing of the season. He finished with five catches for 81 yards, including a season-long 49-yard reception in the third quarter.

“It sucks,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “It’s not easy. It’s not something I can have a whole bunch of words for. I’m just hoping and trying to wrap my mind around what happened. It’s tough.”

Texans WR depth chart

With Collins and Diggs out, Houston must turn to its other quality options. Tank Dell, Dalton Schultz, John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson and Robert Woods all must step up until Collins can return for Week 10’s matchup against the Detroit Lions.

In Sunday’s game, Schultz finished with 52 yards off four catches. Dell hasn’t found his stride yet, but he did catch a 7-yard touchdown pass just before halftime and finished with 32 yards.

Metchie stepped up in Diggs’ place and had three catches for 29 yards, including a critical 28-yard catch in the third quarter.

Hutchinson and Woods both caught passes over 12 yards in Sunday’s win and picked up first downs.

“Our guys have been here and been working,” Ryans said. “They understand how we do things and what we do. We’re excited to see who steps up next.”

The Jets could create problems in the passing game for Stroud. Despite being 2-6, New York ranks in second passing yards per game at 161.1.

Kickoff from MetLife Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Texans Wire will continue to update you on the Diggs’ status. 

Former Texans All-Pro WR gets chance to chase Super Bowl ring with AFC West contender

The former Houston Texans All-Pro receiver is getting a chance to play with Patrick Mahomes.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Houston Texans will still face former All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins, but he won’t be returning to NRG Stadium in 2024.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Kansas City Chiefs are working to finalize a trade that would send the Tennessee Titans wide receiver to Arrowhead Stadium in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick.

That draft pick will become a fourth-round selection if the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl and the former start plays 60% of the snaps with Kansas City.

Hopkins, 32, is expected to suit up for the AFC West front-runners against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday.

With Hopkins out of the AFC South, the Texans won’t face him on Nov. 24 or Jan. 6. Instead, Houston must slow him down on Saturday, Dec. 21, when the team travels to Kansas City for a potential playoff preview.

Hopkins being moved is far from a surprise. Sitting at 1-5, the Titans are looking to continue their rebuild under first-year coach Brian Callahan. Outside of Calvin Ridley and J.C. Latham, several offensive players could be on the move before the Nov. 5 deadline.

The Chiefs, who remain the last undefeated team in the league, have needed a receiver for weeks. Second-year star Rashee Rice suffered a right knee injury in Week 4 that required season-ending surgery. Kansas City also Marquise Brown to a shoulder injury in the preseason that was expected to be season-ending.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, the team’s No. 3 option, suffered a hamstring injury in last week’s win over the San Francisco 49ers and has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Hopkins, who inked a two-year deal last offseason with the Titans, is in the final year of his contract and looking to secure a Super Bowl title. He’s at full strength after suffering a torn MCL during the offseason and hasn’t missed a beat as Tennessee’s No. 2 option.

Through six games, Hopkins has caught 15 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown. He’s now the third receiver to be traded in the past week, joining Davante Adams (New York Jets) and Amari Cooper (Buffalo Bills).

While Hopkins is no longer the All-Pro that made headlines in Houston, he’s a serviceable No. 1 option as Rice’s place replacement and opposite rookie Xavier Worthy and tight end Travis Kelce. The addition gives quarterback Patrick Mahomes another target as Kansas City looks to secure a third consecutive Lombardi Trophy.

At one point, the hope was to have Hopkins in Houston when winning its first title. The Texans must now slow down their former go-to guy if they plan on making it to New Orleans in February.

The Texans return to NRG Stadium this week to take on the Indianapolis Colts.

All 32 NFL quarterbacks (including C.J. Stroud) ranked by Total QBR

Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud remains one of the top passers in QBR rankings entering Week 7.

Houston Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud isn’t slowing down. In fact, losing Nico Collins might have been one of the better things to boost his resume. 

Stroud didn’t miss on the road against the New England Patriots in Week 6. He completed 20-of-31 pass attempts for 192 yards and three touchdowns against one interception and served as the backbone for the offensive performance in a 41-21 victory. 

With that positive performance, Stroud rose three spots from No. 9 to No. 6 in ESPN’s Total QBR rankings this week. ESPN gave Stroud a 74.6 QBR rating against the Patriots, the second-best overall score of the season.

Stroud’s traditional passer rating against New England was 100.5, which marked the third time he’s reached triple-digits this year. It’s still a promising look and closer to the standard he’s used to producing. 

The Total QBR differs from the traditional passer rating. According to ESPN, the QBR “incorporates all of a quarterback’s contributions to winning, including how he impacts the game on passes, rushes, turnovers and penalties.”

The metric also considers scenarios that a traditional passer rating overlooks and  looks at “a team’s level of success or failure on every play to provide the proper context and then allocates credit to the quarterback and his teammate to produce a clearer measure of quarterback efficiency.”

Through six games, Stroud’s thrown four interceptions and been sacked 16 times. Two turnovers came in the 34-7 loss against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3.

Here’s a look at where Stroud stacks up against the NFL’s other starting quarterbacks entering Week 7.

NFL QBs ranked by Total QBR before Week 7

  1. Josh Allen: 79.3
  2. Joe Burrow: 75.1
  3. Jayden Daniels: 73.7
  4. Brock Purdy: 70.3
  5. Lamar Jackson: 69.4
  6. C.J. Stroud: 66.3
  7. Kyler Murray: 65.9
  8. Andy Dalton: 64.4
  9. Derek Carr: 64.1
  10. Jalen Hurts: 63.2
  11. Baker Mayfield: 62.5
  12. Geno Smith: 62.0
  13. Kirk Cousins: 62.0
  14. Sam Darnold: 58.2
  15. Patrick Mahomes: 57.8
  16. Jordan Love: 57.6
  17. Trevor Lawrence: 56.3
  18. Matthew Stafford: 56.0
  19. Justin Fields: 54.0
  20. Daniel Jones: 51.4
  21. Anthony Richardson: 51.4
  22. Aaron Rodgers: 50.3
  23. Justin Herbert: 49.5
  24. Jared Goff: 49.1
  25. Dak Prescott: 48.9
  26. Aidan O’Connell: 46.0
  27. Caleb Williams: 45.5
  28. Bo Nix: 44.0
  29. Drake Maye: 29.6
  30. Will Levis: 27.3
  31. Deshaun Watson: 21.7
  32. Tyler Huntley: 22.0

Stroud and the Texans will take on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field at noon CT.