Tag: Kamari Lassiter draft

A pair of Texans DBs land on ESPN’s All-Rookie team

Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock both have earned another accolade during their breakout rookie season with the Houston Texans.

Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock weren’t first-round picks, but they’ve been Day 1 standouts for the Houston Texans.

Lassiter, a second-round pick out of Georgia, has transformed into a quality No. 2 defensive back opposite All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. In Saturday’s wild-card round win, didn’t allow a catch and forced an interception on Chargers quarterback Justin Hebert.

Turnovers are a part of Bullock’s language. Entering the playoffs, the third-round pick out of USC was tied for the team lead in interceptions with five. He also has been considered one of the Texans’ most improved tacklers since training camp.

ESPN recently named its All-Rookie team following the conclusion of the regular season. The offense was headlined by Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Iriving and Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey.

On defense, Lassiter and Bullock made up a half of the secondary. In Lasstier’s case, he was considered in the hunt before the playoff game. After his performance, the case was closed.

“Perfectly cast for the DeMeco Ryans defense, Lassiter is unbelievably physical against the run, can suffocate routes at the line of scrimmage and wins the football in the air against much larger receivers,” ESPN’s Ben Solak wrote. “Among corners with at least 200 coverage snaps, only Marshon Lattimore allowed a lower completion percentage over expectation than Lassiter did (NFL Next Gen Stats). He plays with a short memory, which is critical for such a physical play style, and a playmaker’s instinct. You couldn’t build a better running mate for Derek Stingley Jr.”

For Bullock, Solak pointed out that when talking “true” free safeties, the 6-foot-3 defensive back in a rare class that emulates the mold.

“From Week 1, Bullock leaped off the film for the Texans. (He was on our Week 4 All-Film team.) The young man can absolutely fly, and Ryans couldn’t have employed his brand of defense this season without Bullock as their center-field safety with true sideline-to-sideline range,” Solak wrote. “He also showed good ball skills with his interception production.”
The Texans hit the road to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round on Saturday. Perhaps another accolade is in store for one of the Houston heroes against Patrick Mahomes at Arrowhead Stadium come kickoff at 3:30 p.m.

WATCH: Texans CB Kamari Lassiter intercepts Justin Herbert in wild-card round

Kamari Lassiter living up to his shutdown persona against the Los Angeles Chargers.

A turnover for a turnover?

Great, now no more.

One play after Houston Texans C.J. Stroud was intercepted by Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Deane Leonard, Justin Herbert gave the ball right back to the good guys at home.

Kamari Lassiter recorded his fourth career interception as Herbert tried to connect with wide receiver Quentin Johnston on a deep pass.

If the ball was overthrown, rookie safety Calen Bullock would have made the play. Either way, the Texans get the ball back with the intent to score.

Houston, which trails 6-0, will receive the ball to begin the second half.

Is Kamari Lassiter playing today? Latest updates for Texans CB

Kamari Lassiter will see action on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

The Houston Texans are at a crossroads entering Week 18 of the regular season.

Starters are expected to play against the Tennessee Titans, but the question is for how long? Texans coach DeMeco Ryans initially didn’t plan on playing starters, but plans changed after an abysmal outing against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.

“For us right now, we’ve got to go play better,” Ryans said. “Our last outing on the field was not good enough. It was not representative of who we are. Defensively, offensively, just not a good representation of our team entirely. So we’ve got to go out and play better football.”

Among those who could miss the second half is rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter. He appeared on the injury report after dealing with a calf strain and was limited during practice throughout the week.

Cornerback is a position lacking depth with both Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre out at the nickel position. Still, players want to end their season on a high note en route to a 10-win campaign.

“You can never take that for granted,” Texans running back Joe Mixon said. “You got people after this week that are going home. You’ve got 14 teams left and from there, it’s time to put your best stuff on tape. I think that we have a great opportunity in front of us to go out there against Tennessee to try and do whatever we can to go into the playoffs with a great taste.”

Kamari Lassiter update

Lassiter will play on Sunday at Nissan Stadium. Should the Texans pull out to a significant lead, Ryans will probably pull the No. 3 overall pick for rest.

Lassiter, who’s closing in on a breakout rookie season, appeared on the injury report with a calf issue but was a full participant during Friday’s drills.

Houston will face either the Pittsburgh Steelers or Los Angeles Chargers, depending on the Chargers’ outing against Las Vegas.

Kamari Lassiter stats

In 13 starts, Lassiter has established himself as a reliable coverage presence and as a tackler. He has 57 tackles, four tackles for loss, three interceptions and 10 pass breakups.

Last week, the second-round pick hit Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry for a safety by tackling him in the end zone for the Texans’ only points in a Christmas Day 31-2 loss.

Texans CB depth chart

Houston’s thin at cornerback entering Week 18. Veteran Jeff Okudah is out with a concussion. Meanwhile, Myles Bryant is limited to only playing in the nickel.

The Texans signed veteran D’Angelo Ross to the active roster on Saturday before departing for Nashville. Behind Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr. are Russ Yeast and Kris Boyd.

Will Kamari Lassiter play in Week 12?: Update on Texans rookie CB

Texans rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter was dealing with a concussion last week against the Dallas Cowboys but has returned to practice as a full participant.

Last week, the Houston Texans gained back wide receiver Nico Collins and defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. for Monday’s showdown in Arlington against the Dallas Cowboys.

This week, two more names are expected to return.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. practiced for the first time since Week 9’s loss against the New York Jets and is expected to play. He’s been dealing with an ankle injury that sidelined him for two games.

What about Kamari Lassiter? Will the rookie be cleared to cover Calvin Ridley as the Tennessee Titans look to end a two-game losing streak?

Here’s an update on the Texans’ rookie defender heading into Sunday’s showdown at NRG Stadium.

Kamari Lassiter injury update

Lassiter, who missed two games earlier in the season with a shoulder injury, left during Week 10’s matchup against the Detroit Lions with a concussion. He returned to practice last Friday but did not play against the Dallas Cowboys on “Monday Night Football” at AT&T Stadium.

A week later, Lassiter was good to go. he was close to returning but hadn’t quite cleared protocol in time for Monday’s showdown. That won’t be the case this week.

Lassiter was a full participant in Friday’s practice and did not carry any injury assignment heading into the weekend, meaning he’s cleared to play when the Titans arrive for an AFC South clash.

Houston’s been keen on protecting its players from returning early. Collins was activated before the Lions game but did not play because the Texans wanted him closer to 100 percent.

Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o suffered a concussion in Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots and was held out for Week 7’s game against the Green Bay Packers for precautionary purposes.

The player might feel content, but the team doesn’t want to risk further injury.

Kamari Lassiter stats

A second-round pick out of Georgia, Lassiter recorded two interceptions last week, including one before halftime. In eight games, he’s collected 29 tackles, eight pass breakups and three interceptions.

Opposing quarterbacks have completed just 16 of 38 passes for 247 yards for a 42.1 completion percentage with two touchdowns allowed. 

Texans CB depth chart

With Stingley and Lassiter both at full potential, here’s the rest of the cornerbacks on the active roster:

  • Ka’dar Hollman
  • Jeff Okudah
  • Kris Boyd

Okudah, who signed a one-year deal this offseason after four years with the Lions and Atlanta Falcons, was designated to return to practice from the injured reserve last week. He was added to the roster on Monday in place of former New England Patriots starter Myles Bryant.

Hollman, 30, started opposite Stingley in Monday’s 34-10 win over the Cowboys. He also started one game last season for the Texans en route to securing a division title behind quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Boyd is best used on special teams.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.

Will Kamari Lassiter play today?: Update on Texans rookie CB

Texans rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter is dealing with a concussion heading into Monday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Houston Texans are gaining back wide receiver Nico Collins and defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. for Monday’s showdown in Arlington against the Dallas Cowboys.

While the duo are a welcomed addition to the lineup, Houston (6-4) could be without two starters in the secondary. Rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter left during the third quarter of Week 10’s loss against the Detroit Lions and could be out on primetime.

The Texans have put faith in Lassiter to step up opposite Derek Stingley Jr. He’s been one of the more decisive defenders in coverage and an ideal secondary option for Houston’s man-heavy defense when active, but will he be good to go on primetime?

Here’s an update on the Texans’ rookie defender heading into AT&T Stadium.

Kamari Lassiter injury update

Lassiter, who missed two games earlier in the season with a shoulder injury, left during Sunday’s game with a concussion. He did not practice during Thursday or Friday’s open session as he remains in protocol.

Since the Texans have an extra day of practice, everything is shifted back by one. Usually, Thursdays provide a better indication of a player’s status because they are the most strenuous practice of the week. That changed to Friday.

Lassiter did however appear in Saturday’s practice. Much like Collins, it’ll be another week after being cleared before fans watch the start defender take the field.

According to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson, Lassiter will not play on Monday night against the NFC East foe.

How long will Kamari Lassiter be out? 

Per Wilson, Laisster should be good when Houston takes on Tennessee next Sunday at NRG Stadium. Even if Lassiter felt healthy enough to play, the Texans are being precautionary with their star defender, as they generally are with players one week after a concussion.

Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o suffered a concussion in Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots and was held out for Week 7’s game against the Green Bay Packers for precautionary purposes. The player might feel content, but the team doesn’t want to risk further injury.

Kamari Lassiter stats

A second-round pick out of Georgia, Lassiter recorded two interceptions last week, including one before halftime. In eight games, he’s collected 29 tackles, eight pass breakups and three interceptions.

Opposing quarterbacks have completed just 16 of 38 passes for 247 yards for a 42.1 completion percentage with two touchdowns allowed. 

Texans CB depth chart

With Stingley and Lassiter potentially out, here’s the rest of the cornerbacks on the active roster:

  • Ka’dar Hollman
  • Jeff Okudah
  • Kris Boyd

Okudah, who signed a one-year deal this offseason after four years with the Lions and Atlanta Falcons, was designated to return to practice from the injured reserve last week. He was added to the roster on Monday in place of former New England Patriots starter Myles Bryant.

According to Wilson, the Texans plan on starting Hollmon opposite Stingley this week in Arlington.

Hollman, 30, started one game last season for the Texans en route to securing a division title behind quarterback C.J. Stroud. He played in three games for the Baltimore Ravens before being picked up by Houston to the active roster earlier this season.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.

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

Several Texans players were not at practice on Thursday afternoon in preparation for Week 11’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday

The Houston Texans have an extra day to prepare for their matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

That means an extra day to get players healthy enough for action.

Receiver Nico Collins and defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. practiced in pads for the first time in nearly a month after being added back to the active roster. Collins, who led the NFL in receiving yards with 567 during the first five games, missed the past five weeks with a hamstring injury.

Edwards, who started the first six games for the Texans, was recently activated after serving a four-game suspension without pay for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy.

Both players are on the path to play Monday night in Arlington. The same might not be said about rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who did not practice Tuesday afternoon.

Lassiter, Houston’s No. 2 cornerback, left during the third quarter of Week 10’s 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions with a concussion. He’s currently in the protocol stages before being cleared to return.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) and defensive tackle Foley Fatkukasi (foot) didn’t practice and might not make the trip north. Defensive end Denico Autry (rest day) is expected to be back on Friday.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Texans and Cowboys after Thursday’s practice:

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.

Could Texans be without CB Kamari Lassiter past Week 6?

Houston Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter might be out longer than just Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.

Kamari Lassiter won’t suit up on Sunday when the Houston Texans take on the New England Patriots, but that was expected.

Missing beyond Week 6 wasn’t, but it could be a reality.

According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Lassiter suffered a scapula injury on his shoulder against the Buffalo Bills and is expected to miss multiple games this month. The injury is uncommon in the NFL, though one that will be monitored by the Texans’ medical staff.

Lassiter is expected to make a full recovery this season with rest and rehabilitation. According to Wilson, surgery isn’t expected.

Lassiter reportedly suffered the injury during the final series of the Texans’ 23-20 win over Buffalo when he landed on his shoulder while in coverage against Keon Coleman. He managed to stick in the game for the last play, but could have been sidelined if the game were to have gone to overtime.

Medically, the scapula is located in the back of the shoulder between the shoulder and the spine. If the nerve is pinched, it can cause immobility and lingering pain.

Not having Lassiter is a blow to a secondary that already was leaning on Derek Stingley Jr. With Lassiter sidelined, the Texans will turn to a combination of Ka’dar Hollman, D’Angelo Ross and Kris Boyd to fill in until he returns.

A second-round pick out of Georgia, Lassiter has started every game on the outside. He’s recorded 15 tackles, two for losses, an interception of Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and three pass breakups.

Opposing quarterbacks have completed just 9 of 24 passes against Lassiter for 193 yards. He’s allowed one touchdown through five games in coverage.

Kickoff from Gillette Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans to be without star rookie DB in Week 6

Kamari Lassiter won’t be suiting up this week for the Houston Texans.

The Houston Texans might feel content on offense, but they’ll be missing a vital member of the secondary Sunday afternoon.

Rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter is out for Houston’s showdown against the New England Patriots with a shoulder injury. Lassiter, the Texans’ second-round pick out of Georgia, has started every game this season opposite Derek Stingley Jr. in coverage.

Houston now must turn to either veteran special teams star Kris Boyd or Ka’Dar Hollmon for Sunday’s matchup. Hollman could be the favorite after the Texans signed him to the active roster earlier this week.

Lassiter has been a consistent defender opposite the former No. 3 overall pick, often drawing the No. 2 receiver for an opponent. He did allow his first touchdown last week when Bills rookie Keon Coleman broke free for a 49-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.

Through five games, Lassiter has an interception, three passes defended and 15 total tackles, including two tackles for loss.

The Texans will also be without veteran safety Jimmie Ward (groin) and wide receiver Robert Woods (foot).

With Ward out, this likely thrusts third-round pick Calen Bullock into a larger role Sunday. On offense, the Texans were already down one receiver in Nico Collins, who landed on the injured reserve earlier this week.

Kickoff from Gilette Stadium is scheduled for noon.

Is Texans CB Kamari Lassiter the favorite to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year?

Kamari Lassiter might be in line to take home the highest honor for a defensive rookie through four games.

Kamari Lassiter has looked the part of a solid No. 2 cornerback through four games with the Houston Texans.

Is he on the same level as Pro Bowler Derek Stingley Jr.? Not yet.

Is he in line to perhaps win Defensive Rookie of the Year honors? According to one publication, yes.

In the latest column dropped by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, Lassiter was named the favorite to win the award one month into the season. Should that hold, it would mark the first time in franchise history that back-to-back players won Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. took home the honors last season after tying J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record at 7.5.

Barnwell believes that Lassiter has been one of the “stingiest” corners through one month of action and rarely has allowed an opponent to win during man coverage drills.

“Lassiter should be seeing plenty of targets, but he has allowed opposing quarterbacks to go only 4-of-12 for 123 yards with an interception, which came when he went off his own man in a scramble drill to pick off a Caleb Williams pass in Week 2,” Barnwell wrote.

According to NextGenStats, Lassiter is posting a 42.0 passer rating against a defender in coverage, which leads all rookies with at least over 50 defensive snaps. Barnwell notes that the second-round pick out of Georgia has also been one of the best cover corners —regardless of age — when asked to play in man.

“He hasn’t been perfect — Brian Thomas Jr. got him on a double move for a touchdown last week, only for [Jaguars QB] Trevor Lawrence to miss the throw — but in a season when there aren’t many great rookie defenders through four games, he tops the list,” Barnwell wrote.

Lassiter could be in line to keep building a rookie resume worth watching when the Texans play host to the Buffalo Bills this Sunday at noon CT.