Tag: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans

Was Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit dirty? Several NFL players weigh in

Michael Strahan, Ryan Clark and several other former players weigh in on Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit against Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence

The Houston Texans won 23-20 on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but that was a footnote in the biggest takeaway from the afternoon at EverBank Stadium.

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was ejected just before halftime after delivering what appeared to be a late hit against quarterback Trevor Lawrence. A fight broke out following the play while Lawrence lay sprawled out on the grass knocked out.

Al-Shaair will likely receive a fine and a potential suspension from the league office later this week. Even if he attempted to slow down, the hit seemed to be avoidable before the sixth-year linebacker ever left his feet.

But was the hit dirty? That’s the question everyone is trying to figure out entering the bye week as Houston heads home. Some fans think that because he led with his elbow, it shouldn’t lead to a suspension. Others think that despite being a member of the team, it’s a bad look.

Of course, several other former players voiced their opinions of the play on social media. Most believed the indecent was avoidable and didn’t agree with the decision.

Former Texans cornerback Steven Nelson called the play “crash-out behavior.” Former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III called the play “dirty” from Al-Shaair.

Former NFL quarterback and Baylor Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, called it a dirty play by Al-Shaair.

During the halftime broadcast, former Super Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan called the play “inexcusable” but mentioned his antics likely were to get him thrown out of the game to avoid further problems.

“I personally think he did that because he realized if he had stayed in that game, he was not going to be protected,” Strahan said. “What he did, everybody knows as a defensive player you don’t do that.”

ESPN analyst and former Super Bowl safety Ryan Clark called the hit “bull” and without question avoidable.

While Al-Shaair doesn’t have many on his side, defensive tackle and teammate Tim Settle defended the captain’s actions, stating that he’s not a dirty player and it was a bang-bang play.

“I don’t think his intentions were towards to hurt [Lawrence]. He was just trying to get us off the field. He was trying to get our offense back on the field,” Settle told reporters postgame. “We praise how he plays, but we know he’s not intentional like that.”

The Texans enter the bye week with an 8-5 record. Al-Shaair and the team will return to the field on Dec. 15 to take on the Miami Dolphins.

Instant analysis: Texans score two late touchdown to secure victory over Jaguars

The Houston Texans move to 8-5 on the regular season after securing a win on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

C.J. Stroud’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz in the fourth quarter was the difference between another loss against an inferior opponent in the AFC South and a victory before the bye.

Joe Mixon’s last run was the icing on the cake.

The Houston Texans avoided a scare at EverBank Stadium as they advanced to 8-5 in a 23-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With the loss, the Jaguars have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.

The victory for Houston marked its second win in five weeks, entering Week 14’s bye. It also helped the AFC South leaders improve to 4-1 in the division, which could help them clinch the title when they return in Week 15.

Tempers flared just before halftime when linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair knocked out Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence as he tried to slide for a first down.

Tight end Evan Engram and several teammates attacked Al-Shaair, whose potential cheap shot could result in a suspension. Both benches cleared as a brawl ensued on the field for several minutes.

Lawrence, who missed the past two games due to a shoulder injury, was carted off and evaluated for a head injury. Al-Shaair, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, were both ejected for their roles in the fight after the hit.

Mac Jones replaced Lawrence and made things interesting in the fourth quarter down three scores. He threw for 235 yards and two touchdown passes and rallied the team back to come within three.

Stroud, who struggled in last week’s loss to the Titans with a pair of interceptions, completed 22 of 34 passes for 242 yards. Eleven pass attempts went to Nico Collins, who finished with a team-high 115 yards on eight catches.

Mixon’s 101-yard rushing performance marks the third time a running back has rushed for at least 100 yards  and a touchdown in six road games during the same season. He joins Tiki Barber of the New York Giants (2004) and Derrick Henry of Tennessee (2020) to accomplish the feat.

The breakout running back averaged 5.1 yards on 20 carries and scored on a 7-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Injuries

Texans safety Jimmie Ward was evaluated for a concussion but cleared to return. Schultz also injured his right shoulder in the third but returned for the fourth to secure what would be the game-winning touchdown.

What’s next?

The Texans get a much-needed bye week when they return home. After that, they’ll play three games against potential AFC playoff contenders in a 15-day span beginning on Dec. 15 at NRG Stadium against the Miami Dolphins.

Texans elevate former starting tight end from practice squad vs. Jagaurs

Irv Smith Jr. is being called up from the Houston Texans practice squad for Week 13.

Irv Smith Jr. is being called up.

The former Minnesota Vikings’ starting tight end will be elevated from the Houston Texans practice squad for Sunday’s showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Receiver Jared Wayne also will be activated for Sunday’s game.

 

With Wayne’s arrival, it’s a good sign that second-year pass-catcher Xavier Hutchinson will not play on the road in Week 13. He’s been limited in practice this week after dealing with a shoulder injury suffered against the Tennesee Titans.

Wayne’s been on the practice squad for two years and was called up once in 2023. Smith, a former second-round pick out of Alabama, has yet to join the Texans’ active roster since joining the team in September.

For his career, Smith has 109 career receptions in the NFL for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Last season with the Cincinnati Bengals, he caught 18 passes for 115 yards and one touchdown last season in 12 games.

Kickoff from EverBank Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Former Texans starter back in Houston in practice squad

Andrew Beck is back with the Houston Texans just in time to recreate his 85-yard kickoff return against the Jaguars.

Andrew Beck made special teams history last season when the Houston Texans traveled down to EverBank Stadium to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He now has a chance to do it again.

According to the team’s transaction wire, the Texans recently added Back to the practice squad. The former starting fullback could be elevated for three games from now until Week 16 before Houston would have to add him to the active roster.

Beck, who joined Houston last offseason after starting his career with the Denver Broncos, was expected to make the active 53-man roster before a calf injury limited him throughout most of the preseason. He was released and signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad.

The Packers released him earlier this week, thus letting him join the Texans.

Last season, Beck finished with 11 catches for 55 yards and two touchdown receptions. He also rushed for five yards on three carries and a score.

Beck is perhaps best known for his epic 85-yard kick return for a touchdown against the Jaguars in Week 3. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he hit 20.3 MPH on the play.

The last fullback with a kick return touchdown was Jaguars’ Derrick Wimbush in 2005.

Houston travels back to Duval County this weekend for an AFC South showdown. Was Beck added for perhaps a good luck charm?

Is Trevor Lawrence playing against Texans? Injury update on Jacksonville Jaguars QB’s shoulder

Trevor Lawrence is dealing with a left shoulder injury heading into Week 13’s matchup against the Houston Texans.

The Houston Texans will be down a vital member of their defense after defensive back Jalen Pitre suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Sunday’s 32-27 loss against the Tennessee Titans.

Will the Jacksonville Jaguars have the upper hand? It depends on the status of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who’s missed the last two games with a shoulder injury.

Lawrence, a former No. 1 overall pick, injured his left shoulder two weeks ago against the Philadelphia Eagles. He never exited the game, finishing 16 of 31 for 169 yards with two interceptions and running for two touchdowns.

For the past two weeks, the former Clemson has been held out in games vs. the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, giving backup QB Mac Jones the start.

Will Sunday mark the third consecutive game he’s out? Here’s the latest surrounding Lawrence’s status against the Texans.

Trevor Lawrence injury update

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson told reporters Monday that Lawrence would return to the practice field after missing the last two games due to a non-throwing shoulder injury.

“Trevor’s going to practice today, and then we’ll see where he’s at from there,” Pederson said.

The fourth-year coach did not commit to Lawrence playing in Sunday’s matchup against the AFC South favorites, stating that he would only practice that day. Lawrence could be limited on Thursday and Friday, thus signaling that Jones could be the starter once more.

“We’ll see where Trevor’s at today, then he’s got tomorrow off. Come in and get treatment and see where he is at on Wednesday how he feels. He’s feeling better today, so that’s positive,” Pederson said.

Monday was a step forward for the franchise signal-caller. He hadn’t hit the practice field since Week 10 before the team’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Lawrence also didn’t practice at all in Week 11 before the team’s game against the Detroit Lions and was limited during the team’s bye.

Trevor Lawrence injury history

Since being drafted out of Clemson in 2021, Lawrence has started 59 of a possible 62 games. He previously missed Week 17 of the 2023 season against the Carolina Panthers due to injury.

Lawrence sustained ankle, knee, shoulder and head injuries during the 2023 season and missed most of the team’s practices, whether completely or limited, during the final six games of the year. He only missed one game, however, before the 2024 campaign.

Who would start in place of Lawrence?

Should Lawrence miss a third game, Jones is expected to start. While the numbers are underwhelming, Jones hasn’t been the biggest problem for Jacksonville’s woes amid a 2-9 season.

While he does have a 0-2 record as a starter, Jones has completed 60.78% of his passes for 249 yards, zero touchdowns and three interceptions. The Jaguars have totaled 13 combined points over the last two matchups in losses to the Vikings and Lions.

Trevor Lawrence stats

Even before the injury, Lawrence’s fourth year had been a roller coaster of sorts. In nine games, Lawrence has completed 61.3% of his passes for 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions.

In Lawrence’s last five games, he completed 67.76% of his passes for 1,276 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

Jaguars depth chart

Here’s what the Jaguars’ depth chart is going into Sunday’s matchup against the Texans at home. With a win, Jacksonville would survive a playoff elimination for at least another week.

  • QB1: Trevor Lawrence (O-shoulder)
  • QB2: Mac Jones
  • QB3: C.J. Beathard
  • Practice squad: John Rhys Plumlee

Kickoff from EverBank Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Could Texans end Jaguars season with a win in Week 13?

If the Houston Texans win, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ season could be over before Week 14.

The Houston Texans can’t clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. 

They can, however, end all talks of an improbable comeback out in Duval County for 2024. 

Sitting at 2-9 and in last place in the AFC South, a loss to the Texans (7-5) on Sunday would knock Jacksonville out of its divisional running, per NFLplayoffscenarios.com.

Houston must win to knock Jacksonville out of the divisional race, but more chaos must occur for the Jaguars to be completely eliminated from the postseason conversation altogether.

The favorites to land the No. 1 overall pick, Jacksonville would be eliminated from postseason contention by losing paired with the Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) and Denver Broncos (7-5), both winning or tying their Week 13 matchups, against the Atlanta Falcons (6-5) and Cleveland Browns (3-8), respectively.

The Texans would improve to 4-1 in the AFC South with a victory over the Jaguars and could clinch a playoff berth in several weeks following a Week 14 bye. 

Houston is looking to return to its winning ways after falling short of a comeback against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12. Will Levis tossed two touchdown passes, including a game-winning 70-yard score to tight end Chig Okonkwo in the fourth quarter. 

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT on FOX. 

Texans vs. Jaguars: Announcers set for Week 13 game

The folks over at FOX will be on the call Sunday afternoon as the Houston Texans take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Houston Texans (7-5) will hit the road and head south to battle the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9) in Week 13 for what could have divisional hopes on the line.

The Texans are coming off perhaps the worst loss in the DeMeco Ryans’ era after the Tennessee Titans marched into NRG Stadium to secure a 32-27 victory. Will Levis’ breakout performance helped Tennessee end a two-game losing streak and give Houston its first divisional loss of 2024.

Sunday’s AFC South will be televised on FOX locally and in certain parts of the country. Kevin Kugler (play-by-play) and Daryl Johnston (analyst) will work the broadcast booth. Laura Okmin (sideline reporter) will conduct pregame interviews, halftime updates and postgame interviews as well.

The Texans have opened as a 5.5-point road favorite against the Jaguars in Week 13, according to BetMGM. The over/under is set at 43.

Jacksonville should be well-rested after entering Week 12’s bye. The bigger question is surrounding the status of Trevor Lawerence. The former No. 1 overall pick has missed the past two games with an upper-body injury, leading to former Patriots starter Mac Jones to take over as QB1.

In two games, Jones has completed 61.7% of his pass attempts for 277 yards and three interceptions.

The Texans must find a stable option at the nickel position if they plan on remaining an elite defense without Jalen Ptire. The third-year multi-purpose defensive back is expected to miss several weeks after suffering a torn pec during Sunday’s loss at home.

“He’s been a true impact player for us,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Just being around the ball. Just causing interceptions, forcing fumbles, he’s just been really active, very instinctive player for us, he’s been all over the field. And he’s made a lot of plays for us. And just miss his instincts, miss his playmaking ability, we’re going to miss that.”

Kickoff from EverBank Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans-Jaguars Week 4: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

Here’s how many snaps C.J. Stroud, Jalen Pitre and the rest of the Houston Texans saw in Sunday’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Sometimes, a team needs one last heave to the end zone. 

That was the case for the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium. 

Behind a 345-yard passing performance from C.J. Stroud, the Texans advanced to 3-1 with a 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Stroud’s 1-yard touchdown pass to running back Dare Ogunbowale with 18 seconds left gave Houston the four-point swing. 

Nico Collins remained the go-to target, hauling a season-high 12 passes for 151 yards and a score. His 489 receiving yards this season have surpassed DeAndre Hopkins for the most yards by a Texans receiver in their first four games.

“I feel like there’s always room for improvement on your game,” Collins said. “My mindset, man, don’t get too comfortable. Continue to build, continue to take care of my body, continue to be available for the team and … all the pieces will fall into place.”

The defense stepped up after allowing an 8-yard touchdown reception by Christian Kirk with six minutes left in the third. Jacksonville nearly put the game away after Tank Bigsby broke free for a 58-yard run, but Eric Murray and Azeez Al-Shaair made a stop on fourth down at the 1-yard line. 

After another drive of offensive miscues, Jacksonville had a second chance to ice the game. Lawrence tried to funnel a pass to rookie Brian Thomas Jr. on third down, but Derek Stingley Jr. nearly came away with the interception.

Stroud, who finished 27-of-40 passing, went 5-of-5 on the final drive for 45 yards and the eventual score. 

Here are the snap counts for every player that contributed to the Texans’ Week 3 loss.

https://twitter.com/Cody_Stoots/status/1840715326905790715/photo/1

Offensive snaps: 75
Defensive snaps: 58
Special teams snaps: 14

Laremy Tunsil left the game due to an ankle injury midway through the second quarter, leading to 21 snaps from rookie Blake Fisher. The second-round pick also lined up as an extra body on a run design in the second quarter. 

Without Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce, Cam Akers was expected to take over as the new lead back. That wasn’t the case since Ogunbowale totaled 29 reps as the No. 2 option.

Akers, who rushed for a season-high 53 yards on 13 carries, played 30 snaps. 

Safety Calen Bullock played 100 percent of the reps (58 snaps) on defense. Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jalen Pitre also played 58 snaps in Sunday’s win. 

The Texans return to NRG Stadium for their first major contender of the season against the Buffalo Bills. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans vs. Jaguars: WR Nico Collins ‘good to go’ for Week 4 matchup

Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins said he’s ready for Sunday’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Nico Collins is suiting up on Sunday.

The Houston Texans receiver told reporters Friday that he would be “good to go” against the Jacksonville Jaguars after being limited at practice with a hamstring injury.

“I’m feeling great. No better feeling: a division game in front of your home crowd, home-field advantage,” Collins told reporters during the open locker room session. “Excited to go out there and spit it with the boys. An opportunity, new juice, let’s get our swag back. I’m happy for this matchup.”

https://twitter.com/Djbienaime/status/1839758279863632178

Signed to a new three-year, $72.5 million extension, Collins has been C.J. Stroud’s top target and one of the NFL’s finest. Through three games, he leads all receivers with 338 yards on 18 catches and a touchdown.
In last week’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings, he managed to come away with four receptions for 86 yards, including a 34-yard grab in the third quarter to set up a Cam Akers’ 6-yard touchdown reception from Stroud.
https://twitter.com/JamesPalmerTV/status/1839724142892855424
Currently, Collins is on pace for 102 catches for 1,915 yards and six touchdowns, per NFL Next Gen Stats.

During the Texans’ breakout 2023 season, Collins became a focal point in the passing attack. He recorded career-highs in receptions (80), receiving yards (1,297) and touchdowns (8).Against the Jaguars, he caught nine passes for 138 yards and a touchdown.

https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1839740634472550412/history

“We’ve always had a good relationship and always read each other well on the field,” Stroud said following Week 1’s win over the Colts. “I think, even now, we’ll take the next steps. We’re trying to spread it around. We have so many dynamic players. It’s a good problem to have.”

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Jaguars vs. Texans, Week 4 injury report: Friday

Joe Mixon is trending up while Tank Dell is trending down for the Houston Texans entering Week 4.

While one essential piece of the Houston Texans’ offense is out, another one could be coming back.

Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon was officially listed on the team’s final injury report as “questionable” for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After missing the previous five practices, it’s a positive sign that he could potentially play.

https://twitter.com/TexansPR/status/1839756932527337867

Meanwhile, wide receiver Tank Dell (chest), safety Jimmie Ward (groin) and backup running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) were all listed as “out.”

Receiver Nico Collins, who was limited Thursday with a hamstring injury, told reporters Friday he was “good to go.”

Mixon missed last week’s 34-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings after suffering an ankle injury caused by a hip-drop tackle in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears. He was listed as doubtful entering the weekend but later moved over to “out” before the team departed.

Without Mixon, the Texans never found stability or consistency on the ground. Cam Akers started in Mixon’s place, and could start again Sunday if Mixon can’t go.

As a team, the Texans rushed for just 38 yards on 14 carries against the Vikings. Akers found his way into the end zone for the first time in nearly a year, but it came on a 6-yard pass from C.J. Stroud in the third quarter.

For Dell, who left in the fourth quarter after totaling a season-high five catches, his impact could be replaced by one of several targets. Xavier Hutchinson, Robert Woods and John Metchie III all have experience playing.

Sunday could be a breakout game for Metchie, who was inactive for the first three games.

https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1839757035119792453

As for Jacksonville, tight end Evan Engram won’t play due to a hamstring strain. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokum also has been ruled out with a foot injury.

Receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder), linebacker Devin Lloyd (knee), cornerback Jarrian Jones (shoulder) and safety Darnell Savage Jr. (quad) are all listed as questionable.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.