Tag: Laremy Tunsil Pro Bowl

Will Texans QB C.J. Stroud appear at the Pro Bowl games?

It’s best not to assume that C.J. Stroud will be headed down to Orlando with the rest of the Houston Texans this week.

Houston Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud is getting ready for 2025.

He’s leaving everything, including a trip to Orlando, in 2024.

Stroud, who guided Houston to its second AFC South division title in as many seasons, will not participate in the Pro Bowl games with five other Texans players later this week. According to ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime, he was invited as an alternate but declined.

Stroud wants to be the reason why Houston competes for a Super Bowl title in 2025. While the offense should look different following the firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, he too must improve on his numbers.

Even with insufficient play designs under Slowik, Stroud struggled to regain his Offensive Rookie of the Year confidence. After becoming the fifth rookie in league history to throw for over 4,000 yards, Stroud regressed, tossing 20 touchdown passes against 12 interceptions for 3,727 yards.

The two-time Heisman finalist also completed a career-low 63.2% of his threw for 7.0 yards per attempt and posted an 87.0 passer rating.

During his end-of-the-year presser, Stroud said he would look back on the campaign and “self-scout” what needs to be corrected internally to help Houston get over the 10-win hump in 2025.

He also said he plans to relax for a bit to get his mind in the right space before attacking the offseason.

“It’s not a crime to take care of yourself and I’ll probably do that a little bit like take a week off or something and then hit it hard and get my body right,” Stroud said. “I don’t think it’s a secret anymore that I can run a little bit, so I have to get my body right to make sure I can take some of those hits and be ready for next year.”

Wide receiver Nico Collins, running back Joe Mixon, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, defensive end Danielle Hunter and All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. will represent Houston during the Pro Bowl game this week at Camping World Stadium.

Pro Bowl snub cost Texans DE Danielle Hunter a nice bonus for 2024 season

Danielle Hunter missing the Pro Bowl might have cost him a bit of cash for 2024.

While Danielle Hunter might rank in the top three for sacks entering Week 18, the Houston Texans defensive end was not one of the three edge rushers selected for the AFC Pro Bowl roster.

Now, his paycheck is suffering the consequences.

According to CBS Sports’ Joel Corry, Hunter’s two-year contract with the included a $1 million bonus for making the Pro Bowl. He’s currently the first alternate behind Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett, Cincinnati Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson and Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby.

The voting isn’t entirely wrong since Garrett and Hendrickson have a case.

The AFC North duo are tied for the league lead in sacks with 14 apiece. Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, also ranks first in tackles for loss and third in QB hits with 28.

Fans have questioned the move of Crosby over Hunter. Not only is the four-time Pro Bowler from Minnesota healthy entering the final regular season game, his numbers outweigh Crosby’s on every level.

Hunter’s 13 sacks outgain Crosby’s 7.5 by nearly double.

His 17 tackles for loss are one more than Crosby’s 16.

And Hunter leads the league with 90 pressures, according to NFL’s Next Gen stats. Crosby? He’s only totaled 53.

While Crosby is likely to miss the game after undergoing ankle surgery, Hunter’s proven stats were worthy of a first-ballot nod. Time will tell if he opts in and gets a chance to earn the bonus as an alternate next month.

The Texans close out the 2024 regular season on the road against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff from Nashville is scheduled for noon CT.

Was Texans DE Danielle Hunter snubbed a Pro Bowl nod?

Even in a year where the Texans underachieved, Danielle Hunter lived up to expectations and played like a Pro Bowler.

Four Houston Texans players were named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster on Thursday morning.

Danielle Hunter, who’s closing in on a breakout first season down off NRG Stadium, wasn’t one of them.

Take nothing away from Derek Stingley Jr., who made history with his dominant month of December in coverage to break a Texans’ record.

Give credit where credit is due to Nico Collins, who was on pace to lead the NFL in receiving yards before suffering a hamstring string injury in Week 5 that sidelined him for a month.

Even Joe Mixon and Laremy Tunsil deserve their flowers. The veteran running back is seven yards away from being the first player since 2019 to rush for 1,000 yards in a Texans’ uniform.

Tunsil has been a staple in pass protection on a broken and beaten offensive line protecting C.J. Stroud.

But Hunter’s coronation as the ‘Houstonian Herculean Hulk’ shouldn’t go unnoticed. He enters Week 18’s regular-season finale ranked third in sacks and fifth in tackles for loss.

Only teammate Will Anderson Jr. has given him a run for the money in terms of top newcomer in the AFC over two seasons. He too must wait for someone to bow out before being called to Orlando after notching 11 sacks and 58 pressures.

The pass-rushing duo didn’t get the call like their teammates. Instead, Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson and Las Vegas’s Maxx Crosby will represent the AFC defensive ends down in Orlando next month.

The voting isn’t entirely wrong since Garrett and Hendrickson have a case.

The AFC North duo are tied for the league lead in sacks with 14 apiece. Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, also ranks first in tackles for loss and third in QB hits with 28.

But Crosby over Hunter? Signs of “name over production” ring true for the All-Pro pass rusher, who likely won’t even play after undergoing season-ending ankle surgery.

Even going off name alone, Hunter’s been a stalwart in the league since his breakout season in 2017. He’s a sack away from becoming the 46th player in NFL history to hit the triple digits and the first Texan to accomplish the feat since three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt.

Crosby finished with 7.5 sacks in 12 games. Hunter had eight QB takedowns by Halloween.

Crosby was better against the run, totaling 16 tackles for loss in a dozen games. Hunter needed two more games, but his 17 trumps Crosby’s by a lone stat.

And the four-time Pro Bowler from Minnesota also had 23 QB hits and a league-leading 90 pressures, according to NFL’s Next Gen stats. Crosby? He finished with 20 and 59, respectively.

Hunter will likely get the call because of opt-outs. He’s the first in line to replace one of the trio as an alternate entering the postseason. Given Crobsy’s injury status, that call should arrive before the Texans welcome the No. 5 seed to NRG Stadium next week.

Crosby’s persona as one of the league’s top defenders is well-documented. The same goes for Hunter and even a rising star like Anderson.

Sometimes, giving the nod to a player who intends to play tends to make the most sense.

Given Hunter’s numbers, it should have been a no-brainer.

8 Texans (including Danielle Hunter) named alternates for 2025 Pro Bowl

Danielle Hunter better be on call after being snubbed a Pro Bowl bid on Thursday afternoon.

Danielle Hunter might not be headed to Orlando on the initial wave of Pro Bowl votes, but he’s a phone call away from packing his bags to join his teammates.

So are five other Houston Texans players.

Hunter (first alternate), punter Tommy Townsend (first), defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (second), quarterback C.J. Stroud (third), kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (fourth), and defensive back Jimmie Ward (fourth), were named Pro Bowl alternates. They will be candidates to join the Pro Bowl roster if other players drop out.

The Texans saw four players named to the active AFC roster after promising seasons for the AFC South Champions. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and wide receiver Nico Collins were first-time additions, while offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil notched his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl nod and second start.

Running back Joe Mixon, who’s seven yards shy of becoming the first Texans player since 2019 to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, also was named to the Pro Bowl roster as a backup.

The 2025 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon will again include an International NFL Flag Championship Tournament featuring top youth teams from around the world, underscoring the NFL’s commitment to the global growth and accessibility of flag football ahead of the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

Taking place over two days in Orlando, Fla., the skills challenges will be broadcast live on Thursday, Jan. 30, on ESPN from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CT and continue Sunday, Feb. 2, culminating in flag football.

4 Texans players make 2025 Pro Bowl roster

Derek Stingley Jr., Laremy Tunsil, Nico Collins and Joe Mixon are headed to Orlando.

Four Houston Texans players will represent the AFC South franchise one final time in Orlando later next month.

Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., wide receiver Nico Collins, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and running back Joe Mixon were all named to the NFL’s 2025 Pro Bowl roster, the NFL announced Thursday.

Stingley and Tunsil will start for the AFC team coached by Peyton Manning (Eli Manning coaches the NFC squad). The “Pro Bowl Games” feature several skills competitions leading up to a flag football game.

Houston also has six alternates named for the Pro Bowl, including defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.

Stingley, the former No. 3 overall pick in 2022, earned his right to compete in the Pro Bowl after a breakout campaign in coverage. He’s started all 16 contests, recording career highs in tackles (54), tackles for loss (four), passes breakups (18), while also tying a career-high with five interceptions. His five interceptions are tied for sixth-most in the NFL while his three in December alone are tied for first in the AFC.

Collins, a fellow first-time Pro Bowl honoree, was en route to lead the NFL in receiving yards after five games, but a hamstring injury sidelined him for a month. The fourth-year pro ranks fourth nationall and second in the AFC with 88.0 receiving yards per game. Collins is just 32 yards away from becoming the fourth wide receiver in team history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving campaigns.

Mixon returns to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career following a campaign that showcased him posting 240 carries for 993 yards with 11 scores on the ground while adding 35 receptions for 304 yards with one additional touchdown in 13 starts. He is the only player league-wide to accumulate 1,200 yards from scrimmage in each of the last four seasons.

Tunsil should have real estate property when it comes to the Pro Bowl since this marks his fifth appearance. Now named a starter in back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances, Tunsil has not surrendered a sack since Week 1 and currently holds the fourth-best pass-blocking grade (89.0) in the league.

The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will be held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Feb. 2. The NFC defeated the AFC 64-59 last season.

Injury updates for several Texans players following win over Patriots

The Houston Texans saw three players leave Sunday’s win with injuries.

While the Houston Texans secured a 41-21 victory over the New England Patriots, they could be without several players entering Week 7.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that both offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (ankle) and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) left Sunday’s game with injuries.

“Yeah, Azeez is getting evaluated with a knee,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He tried to come back, but we’ll see how he progresses throughout the week.”

Signed to a three-year deal this offseason, Al-Shaair serves as the voice of Houston’s defense. He finished with three tackles and forced a fumble before being replaced by special teams star Neville Hewitt.

The Texans love Hewitt for his tackling ability, so he could become the new starter if Al-Shaair remains sidelined for long. Houston could also elevate Christian Harris off the injured reserve should the team feel he’s ready to return.

Tunsil left after reaggravating an ankle injury during the third quarter. Houston held a commanding lead, so the team turned to rookie Blake Fisher rather than push forward with the four-time Pro Bowler.

Tunsil’s injury is not regarded as serious and hasn’t been all season. The Texans will continue to monitor it throughout the week before the team departs for Green Bay.

Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, who entered Sunday’s game as the team’s leading tackler, suffered a head injury late in the fourth quarter and now enters the NFL concussion protocol.

To’oTo’o is already serving as Harris’ replacement as the full-time starter, meaning Houston might have to turn to another special teams standout in Del’Shawn Phillips or potentially rookie Jamal Hill.

Kickoff next week at Lambeau Field is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans receive update on OT Laremy Tunsil’s status vs. Patriots

Laremy Tunsil’s day could be over for the Houston Texans entering the fourth quarter.

Laremy Tunsil’s day might be over.

The Houston Texans are listing Tunsil as questionable for the remainder of Sunday’s matchup against the New England Patriots. Rookie Blake Fisher will take over in his place.

A four-time Pro Bowler, Tunsil has been dealing with an ankle injury since Week 4’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. After C.J. Stroud completed a pass to Stefon Diggs, Tunsil remained on the ground and needed to be looked at by trainers.

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Tunsil walked off gingerly and headed to the bench. Given the fact that Houston currently is leading by three scores entering the fourth quarter, Tunsil might be shut down with several other starters in preparation for next week’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

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It’s not over yet, but Houston is on the verge of its best start in over a decade. At 5-1, Sunday’s win would be just the second time in franchise history that the Texans started with five wins.

The only other team to start out as well was the AFC South champions of 2012, who started 11-1 before finishing 12-4.

Texans receive positive update on Pro Bowl OT Laremy Tunsil’s status for Week 5

Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil is trending upward heading into Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

Laremy Tunsil is looking “good to go” for the Houston Texans this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

The four-time Pro Bowl left tackle returned to practice after dealing with an ankle injury on Wednesday. He was a full participant and should be ready for the battle between a pair of 3-1 franchises at NRG Stadium.

Tunsil left the Jaguars game in the second quarter and was looked at by multiple trainers on the bench and in the medical blue tent. He returned to the game to start the third quarter.

When asked about his status for Sunday, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday that Tunsil would be considered “day to day.”

Tunsil has struggled to avoid the yellow flag through four games entering October. He leads all players with 11 penalties, including six false starts.

But Tunsil has been essential in the growth of quarterback C.J. Stroud in Year 2, especially in pass protection. In over 200 snaps, he’s allowed just two sacks and four pressures, which ranks 13th-best in the league.

Dealing with lower-body injuries is normal for Tunsil, who underwent a knee scope earlier this offseason and missed a majority of training camp.

A healthy Tunsil could benefit Houston by keeping Stroud upright against the Bills’ front seven, which enters Sunday 12th in sacks. Buffalo also has struggled to attack the run, allowing 5.7 yards per attempt. In Sunday’s loss to the Ravens, the Bills allowed nearly 200 rushing yards to Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry.

Kickoff at NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

 Laremy Tunsil’s penalties remain major issue for Texans entering Week 4

Houston Texans Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil currently leads all offensive linemen with 10 penalties through three games, including six false starts.

Laremy Tunsil is a Pro Bowl offensive tackle. His numbers in pass protection since joining the Houston Texans in 2019 would back up that statement.

But Tunsil is also an All-Pro in totaling penalties. It’s not just a 2024 problem, but rather one that’s lingered over the past several years at NRG Stadium.

Sunday, however, might have been an all-time low.

In the Texans’ 34-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, 11 penalties were called, including eight on the offensive line. Five were flagged against Tunsil, including three false starts. Two came on a crucial drive before halftime that knocked Houston out of field goal range.

“We go to the drawing board, and we fix it,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. “We have to line up right up, which I know we can do. We have to line up right and we have to protect as best we can up front.

“We have to swarm up front, and we have to get the guys blocked.”

Tunsil, a four-time Pro Bowler with the Texans, admitted there was a disconnect in how the games are being officiated with multiple inconsistencies.

That doesn’t change the fact that he leads the NFL in penalties and false starts with six. Last season, he led the NFL with false start penalties, too.

“I want people to understand that, the whole entire offense, it’s all of us,” Tunsil told KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson. “We all have to be on the same accord and be on the same communication. It’s crazy. I’ll take the accountability because they’re calling my name, but it takes all of us. If people don’t understand that, it’s cool, though.”

Brian Flores, who right now seems like the front-runner to land a head coaching job again in 2024, cooked up a defensive bout that kept San Francisco’s offense at bay. It was more of the same with Bobby Slowik’s personnel heading to U.S. Bank Stadium.

The difference? Penalties. San Francisco committed four penalties and lost by six.

Tunsil’s five, plus the six others among five players, led to an 88-yard differential and a 27-point loss.

When the Texans are humming on offense, they’re a juggernaut that has no end in sight. When they stall, results like Sunday occur.

Fans are frustrated with Tunsil’s performance. They should be. He’s been the one constant of the roster during a four-year rebuild, but he’s also remained a constant in drawing penalties.

The season is far from lost. Houston can respond Sunday in a divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it starts with protection up front.

Maybe the crowd noise won’t be a factor for the false starts? Then again, people have said this for years.

Texans training camp: Pro Bowl OT Laremy Tunsil cleared to practice

The Houston Texans welcome back a familiar face in Pro Bowl offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil.

The Houston Texans are getting healthy at the right time of training camp.

Left tackle Laremy Tunsil was officially cleared to practice for the first time since the start of offseason workouts. The four-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman underwent arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this offseason.

KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson and The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Alexander, along with multiple other reporters on site, posted videos of his return on X.

Since being traded to Houston in 2019, Tunsil has been the glue of the offensive. Not only has Tunsil been one of the top pass protectors in the league, but he’s also been to a Pro Bowl every season he’s played at least 15 games.

Last season. Tunsil once again graded out as a top-three pass blocker by Pro Football Focus with an overall grade of 84.9. He was the anchor of the life side that helped C.J. Stroud win Offensive Rookie of the Year en route to guiding Houston back to the playoff.

It’s unclear if Tunsil will play on Saturday against the New York Giants, but his return is a step in the right direction for the trenches moving into the second half of training camp.

The Texans will need a healthy Tunsil if they plan on advancing past the divisional round of the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

Kickoff for Saturday’s preseason home opener is scheduled for noon CT.