Tag: houston texans football

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.

Texans vs. Chiefs broadcast map: Will the game be on TV?

Where can fans watch the Houston Texans take on the Kansas City Chiefs? Everywhere, of course!

The Houston Texans (9-5) hit the road to take on the Kansas City Chiefs (13-1) on a special Saturday afternoon showdown in Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season on Dec. 19.

The potential AFC playoff preview at Arrowhead Stadium is scheduled to kick off at noon CT. With a win, the Texans would secure their second consecutive 10-win season behind quarterback  C.J. Stroud and second-year coach DeMeco Ryans.

The Texans-Chiefs game will be available to watch on NBC. Football fans who watch on mobile devices can stream the game for free on Twitch (here’s how).

Noah Eagle (play-by-play) and Todd Blackledge (analyst) will serve in the broadcast booth with Kathryn Tappen reporting from the sideline.

On the radio, the game will be nationally broadcast on Westwood One and broadcast locally on SportsRadio 610

Since the game is on national television, everyone can watch the game. Here’s a map of the major broadcast locations.

The Chiefs lead the all-time series against the Texans. Houston enters as a 3-point road underdog.

The Texans have already clinched the AFC South, but could secure a top-three seed in the AFC with a win and a Pittsburgh Steelers loss.

Analysis: Texans inch closer to division title with win over Dolphins

The Houston Texans are a victory away from back-to-back 10-win seasons following Sunday’s outing against the Miami Dolphins.

The Houston Texans did their job. Will the Denver Broncos help them out?

Nico Collins caught two touchdown passes from C.J. Stroud while the Texans’ defense forced four turnovers, including two fourth-quarter interceptions by Derek Stingley, to secure a 20-12 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at NRG Stadium.

“Stingley is playing just unbelievable football right now,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.

Should the Broncos beat the Colts out west, Houston would secure its second division title under Ryans in as many years.

Stingley. who could be the dark horse to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year honors, iced the game with 1:23 remaining with a pick against Tua Tagovailoa on a pass intended for Tyreek Hill.

Earlier in the game. Houston capitalized on another Tagovailoa turnover, this time caused by a stip-sack from Will Anderson Jr. Tim Settle recovered the ball and returned it to the Miami 26. Four plays later, Stroud connected with Collins for a 6-yard score.

The duo would find the end zone again with 11 minutes remaining in the third quarter after Dare Ogunbowale picked up 35 yards on a fake punt.

Stroud threw for 131 yards and two touchdowns. He also finished with a 106.6 passer rating, a season-best since Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots.

Houston’s ground game was limited behind Joe Mixon being shaken up by a hard hit during the second quarter. He finished with 23 rushing yards, but led the offense with five receptions for 33 yards.

Tagovailoa tried to lead a comeback down by 14 thanks to an 11-play, 73-yard drive capped off with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith on fourth down. Miami could have been within a touchdown, but Jason Sanders’ kick went wide left, leading to an 8-point margin.

Two late interceptions sealed the deal for Tagovailoa, who was credited with a season-high four turnovers. Miami (6-8) played without starting tackles Terron Armstead and Kendall Lamm. Tagovailoa threw for 196 yards, 143 of which came in the second half.

A scare occurred midway through the third quarter as Dolphins Grant DuBose was carted off after colliding with rookie defensive back Calen Bullock. Tagovailoa tried to lead DuBose out, but the receiver’s head violently hit the turf.

“There’s been some positive feedback related to some head and neck imaging,” coach Mike McDaniel said. “He will stay here overnight, and we’ll find out more by (Monday).”

Bullock was given a flag for unnecessary roughness for hitting a defenseless receiver on the play.

DuBose remained on the field for more than 10 minutes. Emergency medical assistance from trained personnel was required, which resulted in them having to cut off his jersey and a neck brace was put on him while he was taken to an ambulance.

The team said he was in stable condition and being taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Danielle Hunter inched closer to making league history with his 1.5-sack performance. He needs a half-sack from now until the end of the regular season to join the 100-career club before the end of the regular season.

Injuries

Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle suffered a knee injury in the second quarter and didn’t return.

Texans tight end Cade Stover was ruled out before kickoff after having an emergency appendectomy Saturday night.

Texans defensive Foley Fatukasi injured an ankle in the second quarter and did not return.

Stat of the Game

Once the Texans moved Stingley over to covering All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill, the game was close to over. The third-year defensive back limited Hill to one catch for 15 yards.

For the afternoon, Hill finished with two receptions for 36 yards.

“It’s a good opportunity going against somebody that’s the face of the NFL,” Stingley said. “So anytime you get to go out there on the field, it’s just a good time, just time to have fun.”

Up Next

The Texans travel to Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City might be short-handed without star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is considered week-to-week after suffering an ankle injury in Sunday’s win against the Cleveland Browns.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Announcers set for Dolphins vs. Texans Week 15 game

Here’s who’s on the call for the Houston Texans’ showdown against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15.

The Houston Texans (8-5) return home to NRG Stadium following the bye week to take on the Miami Dolphins (6-7) for what could have immense playoff implications in the AFC rankings.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT on CBS. Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Trent Green (analyst) will serve as the crew in the booth, while Melanie Collins (field reporter) will conduct interviews and provide injury updates from the sidelines.

The Texans aim to keep their winning streak alive, while the Dolphins look to remain in the playoff hint. Miami has won four of its last five games, including an overtime victory over the New York Jets in Week 15.

Regarding the playoffs, Houston controls its destiny in Week 15. Well, partially. If the Texans win, they would need the Denver Broncos to beat the Indianapolis Colts to clinch the AFC South division title and likely the No. 4 seed in the postseason.

With a win by the Colts, the Texans would need a win in Week 16 over the Kansas City Chiefs to secure the division title. Even if both teams were to finish with the same record, Houston swept Indianapolis in the regular season, thus giving the AFC South leaders the tiebreaker.

Texans bolster defensive line with All-SEC addition in latest mock draft

Walter Nolen could be the missing link for the Texans’ interior defensive line in 2025 opposite Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

Walter Nolen already looks great in Hotty Toddy Blue. Let’s see if the Steel Blue of the Houston Texans fits better at the professional level.

In the latest mock draft from Sports Illustrated, the Texans bolster their defensive line by adding the Ole Miss defensive lineman at pick No. 25. With a combination of speed and lower-body power, Nolen’s arrival would fortify the interior trench play for the AFC South favorites over four years.

Houston’s defense is statistically strong, but Nolen would elevate its interior defensive line. Nolen, who is 6’3″ and 305 pounds, is explosive and disruptive—he notched four sacks, eight tackles for loss and 24 hurries this season. A transfer from Texas A&M, Nolen is strong against the run, too. He posted the fifth-best run defense grade (91.9) among defenders with at least 100 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, and he’s tied for second in the FBS with 31 run stops. – SI’s Daniel Flick

Defensive tackle has been a need for Houston long-term since DeMeco Ryans returned home in 2023. Sheldon Rankins inked a one-year deal last offseason before cashing in with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023. Maliek Collins was traded to the San Francisco 49ers while the team settled for minimal deals built around Mario Edwards Jr. Tim Settle and Foley Fatukasi.

The Texans are built on the edge with Defensive Player of the Year candidates Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Adding depth up the middle that can bolster the run defense and add value as a secondary pass rusher makes too much sense for a defensive-led team.

That’s Nolen, an All-SEC defensive tackle who finished with career-highs in tackles for loss, sacks and pressures. He also graded out as the SEC’s top run defender by PFF and was the anchor of Ole Miss’ top-ranked run defense.

Houston looks to technically worsen its draft position by continuing its winning ways this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Doug Pederson clears the air on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s season-ending injury

Doug Pederson let it be known that Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit against Trevor Lawrence was not why he was placed on the injured reserve.

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair drilled Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence as he began to slide during the second quarter of Sunday’s 23-20 win.

That’s not why the Jaguars are placing him on the second-ending injured reserve.

Third-year coach Doug Pederson told reporters Friday that Lawrence’s arrival on the reserved list is because of his lingering issue with his non-throwing, not the head injury.

“The reason for IR is not the injury from Sunday,” Pederson said. “It’s not that. It’s more the shoulder.”

Lawrence, who was ruled out with a concussion for the second half of Week 13’s game, missed two games after hurting his left shoulder during Week 9’s loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. He played through the pain while trying to mount a comeback but missed back-to-back weeks of practice.

Mac Jones, who took over for Lawrence and nearly led a comeback in the fourth quarter, replaced Lawrence for the two games while the former No. 1 overall pick was recovering. He’s expected to take over for the remainder of the regular season.

Pederson said that Lawrence now plans to undergo surgery on his left shoulder, thus ending a potential return in Week 18. He also acknowledged that the concussion wasn’t mutually exclusive from the IR placement, but  Lawrence would have likely missed Week 14’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

“The injury Sunday doesn’t help, right?” Pederson said. “But it’s just the right decision right now to go ahead and just shut him down and let him get fully healed. Clear the protocol first and then tackle the other injury later on. So that’s our main focus right now, to make sure he’s 100% and get him healthy and get himself ready for the offseason.”

Al-Shaair, who’s suspended for three games because of the hit and later ejection, apologized to Lawrence on social media Monday morning. Pederson said Lawrence’s shoulder “didn’t get any worse” because of the hit.

In 10 games, Lawrence completed 60.6% of his passes for 2,045 yards and 11 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Jacksonville agreed with Lawrence before the start of the 2024 season on a five-year, $275 million extension, which includes a $37.5 million signing bonus and $142 million fully guaranteed

“Where we are in our season, it’s a chance for him to get healthy right now as he looks into the offseason and next season as well.” Pederson said.

Al-Shaair, who appealed his suspension but was denied by NFLPA representative Ramon Foster, will return for the team’s season finale against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.

All 32 starting NFL quarterbacks, ranked oldest to youngest

C.J. Stroud might be in Year 2, but the Houston Texans passer remains one of the youngest quarterbacks in 2024.

Houston Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud is still a young gun. Sure, he might have won a few accolades in brief NFL tenure, but the former No. 2 overall pick entered the NFL as a spry 22-year-old with two years of starting experience from his time at Ohio State.

How young is Stroud? At 23, he’s still over a year younger than Denver Broncos starter and 2023 first-round pick Bo Nix, who spent five seasons starting between his time at Auburn and Oregon.

Carolina Panthers second-year starter Bryce Young (23) is three months older than the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year. Washington Commanders rookie and fellow No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels (23) is nine months older than Stroud and will turn 24 in December.

Chicago Bears starter and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams (23) is two months younger than former Buckeye. Meanwhile, No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye (22) is the youngest starter in the NFL and hopes to be the savior for the New England Patriots in a new era of football.

New York Jets starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers (40) is the oldest quarterback in the league. He’s followed not so close behind by Atlanta Falcons’ Kirk Cousins (36), Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford (36) and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Russell Wilson (35).

We’ve listed the ages of all 32 starting quarterbacks below entering Week 14. This also only includes direct starters for the 2024 season and not fill-ins due to season-ending injuries.

NFL quarterbacks ranked oldest to youngest

  1. Aaron Rodgers (40)
  2. Kirk Cousins (36)
  3. Matthew Stafford (36)
  4. Russell Wilson (35)
  5. Derek Carr (33)
  6. Geno Smith (33)
  7. Dak Prescott (31)
  8. Jameis Winston (30)
  9. Baker Mayfield (29)
  10. Jared Goff (29)
  11. Gardner Minshew (28)
  12. Josh Allen (28)
  13. Patrick Mahomes (28)
  14. Drew Lock (28)
  15. Lamar Jackson (27)
  16. Sam Darnold (27)
  17. Kyler Murray (27)
  18. Joe Burrow (27)
  19. Tua Tagovailoa (26)
  20. Justin Herbert (26)
  21. Jalen Hurts (26)
  22. Will Levis (25)
  23. Jordan Love (25)
  24. Trevor Lawrence (24)
  25. Brock Purdy (24)
  26. Bo Nix (24)
  27. Bryce Young (23)
  28. Jayden Daniels (23)
  29. C.J. Stroud (22)
  30. Caleb Williams (22)
  31. Anthony Richardson (22)
  32. Drake Maye (22)

The Texans return to the huddle following the bye week to take on the Miami Dolphins at NRG Stadium.

What are the Texans’ chances of making the NFL playoffs?

Here’s what the odds look like for the Houston Texans to win the AFC South and make the playoffs in 2024.

Following a 23-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium,  the Houston Texans improved to 8-5 in the 2024 campaign.

Entering the bye week, they remain the AFC South favorites and the fourth seed in the conference standings, trailing Kansas City Chiefs (11-1), Buffalo Bills (10-2) and Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3).

Kansas City and Buffalo have already clinched playoff berths, with the latter clinching the AFC East title. The Texans likely would need chaos to ensue, along with a win next week, to guarantee their spot in the College Football Playoff.

Should Houston somehow drop the division title, it would remain in the hunt for a wild-card berth. Well, at least for the time being alongside the Denver Broncos (8-5), Baltimore Ravens (8-5) and Los Angeles Chargers (8-4).

The Texans will play the Miami Dolphins, Chiefs and Ravens following the bye. They also hold a two-game lead over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South division race.

Houston controls its playoff fate. According to Andrew Mason of DenverSports.com, if the Broncos beat the Colts in Week 15, Houston would need to defeat the Dolphins at NRG Stadium to clinch a playoff berth.

Here’s a look at the AFC’s playoff picture entering Week 14.

AFC Playoff Picture

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-1)
  2. Buffalo Bills (10-2)
  3. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
  4. Houston Texans (8-5)
  5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
  6. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)
  7. Denver Broncos (8-5)

In the Hunt

  1. Indianapolis Colts (6-7)
  2. Miami Dolphins (5-7)
  3. Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)

Texans extend TE Brevin Jordan on new deal before free agency

Brevin Jordan is back with the Houston Texans for the 2025 season.

Brevin Jordan isn’t leaving the Houston Texans after all.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans have agreed to a one-year extension with Jordan, keeping him at NRG Stadium through 2025.

Jordan, who was expected to have a breakout season with second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, was entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Expectations were high for Jordan after his 76-yard touchdown reception in the AFC Wild-Card Round victory over the Cleveland Browns, but his season was cut short in Week 2 after suffering a torn ACL against the Chicago Bears.

“It’s really heartbreaking losing Brevin,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Brevin was on his way to a breakout year. I feel sorry for Brevin and the injury. Any time these guys go through these injuries, it’s always tough.”

Jordan is expected to make a full recovery and be cleared to play in 2025. Now, he’ll make up for lost time on a one-year deal that basically serves as a fifth-year option of sorts.

During the offseason, Jordan had improved as a lead blocker and receiver in the flats. He also learned how to play fullback and h-back to upgrade his value.

“If you want to talk about the heartbeat of this team, it’s just who he is. Somebody who loves hard and he loves everyone in this building,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “He loves ball and I think he was really getting his momentum on just who he wanted to be in this league and how he wanted to approach practice.”

Jordan is now the third player inked to an extension from Nick Caserio’s first draft class of 2021. Wide receiver Nico Collins signed a three-year, $72.5 million deal before the start of the regular season. Quarterback Davis Mills also agreed to a one-year extension earlier this season.

For his career, Jordan’s hauled in 53 passes for 532 yards and five touchdowns.

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.