Tag: Lions vs. Texans

Will Kamari Lassiter play on Monday Night Football?: Update on Texans CB

Kamari Lassiter is still in the concussion protocol and has not been cleared to return entering Week 11’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.

Fellow cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. played through an injury and now could be out for the Lone Star Battle in what feels like a must-win game for Houston.

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, the Texans could be getting him acclimated but choose to rest him and wait until Week 12’s showdown against the Tennessee Titans.

How long will Kamari Lassiter be out? 

Before Lassiter is allowed to return, he must clear the concussion protocol. Practicing Saturday is an indication he’s nearing the final stages, but it doesn’t mean he’s good to go.

The Texans have had two players miss practice during the week and still play the following Sunday. Defensive tackle Foley Fatukaski missed practice and returned for Friday’s walkthrough before appearing in Week 7 and Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers and Lions, respectively.

Tight end Dalton Schultz didn’t practice in Week 2 with an ankle injury, but managed to suit in a win over the Chicago Bears.

If Lassiter were to miss Monday’s game, the status for a Nov. 24 matchup against the  Titans becomes questionable. Houston would only have two full days of practice before having to release the final injury report on Friday.
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.
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. While he’s practicing, the former No. 3 overall pick has not been added to the roster yet,

The Texans could also elevate D’Angelo Ross, who was added back to the practice squad earlier this week. He started two games in place of Lassiter in Week 5 and Week 6.

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

Texans cut veteran CB, sign former first-round OL

The Texans are making changes to the roster before their Week 11 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys.

An internal move has been made to the Houston Texans’ roster entering Week 11’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

The Texans are re-signing cornerback D’Angelo Ross and adding former first-round offensive tackle Cameron Erving to the practice squad.

In a corresponding move, Houston is releasing veteran All-Pro defensive back and return man Desmond King and offensive tackle David Sharpe.

Ross, who started two games in place of rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter, was released on Saturday and cleared waivers. He was always expected to return to the practice squad, espeically given his knowledge of the defense.

In the two games Ross started, he allowed 10 catches on 10 targets and one touchdown for 148 receiving yards. He also recorded 13 tackles.

King, who started three seasons with the Texans, was a valuable asset to Houston’s success after rejoining the team following his release from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In six games, he totaled 47 tackles, one sack, and two pass breakups in seven games for the AFC South champions.

This past season, King played in one game as an elevation from the practice squad. He recorded one tackle.

Erving, a former first-round pick by the Cleveland Browns, was part of the Texans’ roster during the preseason but was cut during roster trimdowns.

He’ll replace Sharpe as the potential added offensive lineman from the practice squad, especially given his position flexibility.

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium on Monday night is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.

Texans All-Pro WR predicted to leave Houston for NFC franchise

Stefon Diggs could be headed back to New York this offseason rather than sign a one-year deal with the Houston Texans.

Has Stefon Diggs played his last down as a member of the Houston Texans?

The two-time All-Pro receiver suffered a season-ending torn ACL on a non-contact play in Week 8’s win over the Indianapolis Colts. He was on pace for a career year in receptions and would have likely garnered significant interest on the free agent market.

Acquired from the Buffalo Bills in April in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, the Texans voided the final three years of Diggs’ previous contract, thus making him a free agent in 2025. Houston could bring him back on a team-friendly two-year deal and let him rest building up to the 2025 campaign.

Other teams could be willing to pay more even with the injury playing a factor. Despite his injury, the 31-year-old remains a reliable weapon and consistent chain-mover as a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 threat.

If Diggs were to test free agency, he’d had options. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report predicted one of those options to be Tampa Bay as the new No. 2 target for Baker Mayfield over Chris Godwin.

The other options? A return to the Empire State on a new deal with the New York Giants.

A short-term “prove-it” deal could make the Maryland product one of the best bargains of the offseason, though, as he had shown no signs of decline before the injury.

Diggs could be a sneaky target for the Buccaneers, should they lose Chris Godwin in free agency. They are projected to have $31.1 million in cap space, and Diggs might accept an incentive-laden contract that fits with their financial plan.

The New York Giants would also make a ton of sense for Diggs. New York may pivot to a new quarterback in 2025, and Diggs could serve as a high-end No. 2 receiver opposite Malik Nabers—Darius Slayton is set to be a free agent.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll spent two seasons coaching Diggs as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator.

In eight games, Diggs caught a team-leading 47 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a wild card due to injury, but he’s also proven to be a high-upside target in the right offense, having been a year removed from a near 1,2000-yard campaign in Buffalo.

The Texans (6-4) take on the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) this Monday night on ESPN. Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Where the Texans rank statistically heading into Week 11

Here’s where the Houston Texans stack up compared to every other team in the NFL stat-wise entering Week 11.

The Houston Texans (6-4) hit the road for a third consecutive primetime showdown against the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) in Week 11 on Monday Night Football.

Houston needs a win just to get back to its roots following a disastrous end in Week 10’s 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions. The Texans blew a 16-point lead in the second half behind a pair of C.J. Stroud interceptions.

Jared Goff, who threw five interceptions, led two scoring drives over the final 30 minutes and helped set up two Jake Bates field goals, including a game-winning 52-yard kick as time expired.

Houston’s now the second team since 1933 to lose a game in which they caught five interceptions and led by at least 15. Previously, teams were 373-1-1 when leading by at least 15 and snagging five interceptions.

The other time a team lost in that fashion was in Week 11 of 1970, when the Chicago Bears lost to the Baltimore Colts 21-20 despite Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas throwing five interceptions.

“Definitely should have won this game,” Stroud said. “My job is to lead the offense to score points, and I didn’t do that today.

“We really should have put them away after the first half. It’s really on the offense.”

With Week 11 on deck, 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 10:

Where are the Texans picking in the 2025 NFL draft after Week 10?

The Texans remain in the playoff hunt, but they’re inching closer to a higher draft pick following Week 10’s home loss against the Lions.

The Houston Texans are thinking of the postseason, but change is needed on the offensive line if the AFC South leaders plan on winning a Super Bowl.

After Kenyon Green suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 9’s 21-13 loss against the New York Jets, conversations began on the future of the left guard spot. Juice Scruggs was serviceable in a Week 10 loss against the Detroit Lions, but the former second-round pick is better suited to play center.

The same goes for Jarrett Patterson, who likely will remain the starting center moving forward into Week 11’s matchup on Monday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Interior offensive linemen usually fall in the draft, given their value compared to tackles. Barring a trade of four-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, Houston should be content with its book ends.

Either second-round pick Blake Fisher or veteran Tytus Howard should take over at right tackle in 2025.

Howard, who inked a three-year extension before the 2023 season, could also shift inside to guard, leaving a hole at right guard in place of the struggling Shaq Mason. Houston could part ways with the veteran lineman since he’ll be paid up on all his guaranteed money from the extension signed in 2023.

If the Texans target a lineman in the draft, defensive tackle, safety, and receiver could all be options in the first round.

Here’s a look at where the Texans are listed after the Week 9 loss and the full draft order projection from Talkathon:

  • Round 1, No. 20 overall
  • Round 2, No. 54 overall
  • Round 3, No. 85 overall
  • Round 4, No. 121 overall
  • Round 5, No. 166 overall (via BUF)
  • Round 7, No. 235 overall

All those numbers could improve if the Texans can respond on primetime against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium later this week. Houston remains the favorite to win the AFC South and could be in line for the No. 3 if they finish with the same record as the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens, given their head-to-head wins.

Houston should look better on offense with the return of receiver Nico Collins, who is expected to play this week after being activated off the injured reserve last weekend. The Texans could be without pass-rusher and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Will Anderson Jr., who left in the first half with an ankle injury against the Jets.

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.

Top photos from the Texans improbable loss vs. Lions on Sunday Night Football

Here are some of the top photos from Sunday’s loss at NRG Stadium against the Detroit Lions.

Even with five takeaways and a 16-point first-half lead, the Houston Texans managed to collapse on prime-time in front of the hometown crowd Sunday night.

After a three-interception first half from Jared Goff inside NRG Stadium, the Lions stopped making mistakes and turned it around. Meanwhile, Houston decided to have a turnover-filled second half as C.J. Stroud tossed two interceptions, including one in the end zone, to keep the score within reach.

The Lions capped off the improbable road win over the AFC South-leading Texans when first-year kicker Jake Bates snuck a 52-yard field goal just inside the left upright, giving Detriot a 26-23 win.

Here are some of the top photos from the professionals inside the stadium for the Texans’ Week 10 loss.

Jared Goff not fazed by 5-interception game: ‘I’ve been through a whole lot worse than that’

Jared Goff not fazed by 5-interception game: ‘I’ve been through a whole lot worse than that’

Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw five interceptions. The offense looked out of sorts. Yet, the Lions found a way to win on Sunday Night Football, 26-23 over the Houston Texans.

For Goff, it may have been a rough day, but he’s putting things into a bigger perspective. He spoke with the media after the game and explained how he’s been through much worse.

“I honestly didn’t feel like I was playing all that bad, and I was seeing things well,” Goff said. “I was throwing it well. I had some unfortunate things there early, but I’ve been through a whole lot worse than that. I’ve been to the bottom. Mentally I’ve been to the bottom. Some unlucky plays isn’t going to throw me off my game.”

Goff went on to add:” It’s a battle. It’s hard. I didn’t feel like I was playing all that bad. I was seeing things well. The tipped ball — ultimately I have to take care of the ball, but they were playing some good plays, and some things that weren’t going our way, and I think ultimately I never lost confidence because I felt like I was doing what I was supposed to do on most of those plays. Our defense really bailed us out. They really did all day. The guys stuck with me on offense, and I’m telling them, ‘Hey, man, I’m good, just hang in there, and I’m good, I’m going to have this thing figured out’. They stuck with me.”

In the end, the five interceptions were a mere bump in the road on Detroit’s path to the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Even with Goff having an off day, the Lions still found a way to win. That’s the sign of a Super Bowl contender.

C.J. Stroud takes ownership for Texans loss vs. Lions on Sunday Night Football

C.J. Stroud takes ownership of the Houston Texans’ second-half collapse against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.

C.J. Stroud isn’t the only person at fault for the Houston Texans’ 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions on ‘Sunday Night Football’ at NRG Stadium.

Despite forcing five interceptions, the Texans’ defense allowed Lions quarterback Jared Goff to mount a pair of touchdown drives in the second half.

They gave the Lions ample room to mount a 16-point comeback behind the leg of kicker and former Texans player Jake Bates.

Even with an 8-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, Houston’s inability to emphasize the run game with Joe Mixon, who averaged less than 2.0 yards per attempt.

But Stroud, who threw two interceptions, admitted he could have done more and took ownership of the heartbreaker at home.

“I got to be better in those moments,” Stroud said Sunday evening. “It’s really just got to go down and score in the red zone and defense is getting the turnovers like they were, so got to be able to reward them with points.

“I’m the one to blame when it comes to that. Turn the ball over in the red zone.”

The first half of hope led to a second half of sorrow. Stroud, who connected with John Metchie III for a 15-yard touchdown with 12 seconds remaining in the first half, was in his element.

He had only missed three passes and notched up over 175 passing yards.

But games aren’t won in the first half. As the Texans headed out for the third quarter, momentum shifted from the east over to the west.

Stroud tossed two interceptions, both forced by Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III, to begin the second half. His second interception came on a play to the end zone on a pass intended for wide receiver Tank Dell.

“If you take those plays away, and I throw Tank a good ball on that one play, the game is flipped over,” Stroud said.

Goff, who lost ground in the MVP race, kept the offense afloat enough in the second half to win a gusty road game. Detroit improved to 8-1 and kept its lead in the NFC standings as the conference’s top contender.

The Texans, who now fall to 6-4, find themselves on the wrong side of history, becoming the second team since 1933 to lose a game in which they caught five interceptions and led by at least 15. Previously, teams were 373-1-1 when leading by at least 15 and snagging five interceptions.

“Definitely should have won this game,” Stroud said. “My job is to lead the offense to score points, and I didn’t do that today.

“We really should have put them away after the first half. It’s really on the offense.”

Stroud finished 19-of-33 for 232 yards, one touchdown and those two interceptions.

“It’s not good enough. Turning the football over there, especially in the red zone, or coming out,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We talked about getting started in the second half, and we talked about being better in the second half.”

The Texans will have eight days to regroup before traveling to AT&T Stadium to take on a struggling Dallas Cowboys squad on Monday Night Football.

Lions first-down defense deserves credit in the Week 10 comeback win in Houston

Lions first-down defense deserves credit in the Week 10 comeback win against the Texans, notably in the second half

In watching Sunday night’s amazing comeback win by the Lions in Houston, one of the things that stood out in real-time was how well the Detroit defense handled business on first downs. It sure felt that way in the second half, when Aaron Glenn’s defense pitched a shutout against C.J. Stroud and the Texans.

That led me to do a little research into if my real-time perception was accurate. I went back and looked at every 1st-and-10 play the Texans ran in the second half:

1- Carlton Davis INT on a short out route from Stroud

2- Joe Mixon inside run for 1 yard

3- Mixon inside run for 1 yard, same play as the last one

4- Mixon outside run for 6 yards (Davis snagged another INT on the next play)

5- Mixon outside left run for 5 yards, with Carlton Davis getting shaken up on the tackle

6- Mixon outside run for 4 yards, negated by a very obvious holding penalty (creating 1st-and-20)

7- Stroud incomplete pass deep right to TE Cade Stover, tight coverage by Jack Campbell

8- Stroud to TE Dalton Schultz for 17 yards over the middle, a busted zone coverage by the Lions LBs

9- Mixon outside run for no gain, hit in the backfield

10- Mixon inside run for 4 yards, though he was hit in the backfield on the play

11- Mixon off right tackle for 2 yards

12- Mixon inside run for 4 yards on a draw play

Tallying it all up, the Texans ran the ball on 1st-and-10 nine times in the second half. Those nine carries by Joe Mixon gained 27 yards, but the penalty on LG Juice Scruggs knocked the net down to 17 yards on those nine attempts. Stroud completed 1-of-3 passes for 17 yards, with another of those being picked off.

That’s 12 plays for Houston on 1st-and-10 netting a total of 34 yards and a takeaway by the Lions defense. If you’re looking for a reason why the Lions were able to come back, the impressive work on first downs against a predictable Texans offense after halftime is a big one.

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Lions snap count notes: Dan Campbell rode his starters heavily vs. Texans

Lions snap count notes: Dan Campbell rode his starters heavily in the Week 10 win over the Houston Texans

Injuries across the Detroit Lions roster forced head coach Dan Campbell to ask a lot of his healthy regular starters, and also more than expected from several reserves. It wasn’t always pretty of confidence-inducing, but the Lions delivered in a thrilling 26-23 comeback win.

The snap counts from Detroit’s Week 10 trip to Houston reveal just how strapped for healthy bodies the Lions were in a few spots. It starts on the defense.

Nine defensive starters played at least 58 of the 68 snaps in the game. That includes five iron men:

Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch
Linebackers Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell
Cornerback Terrion Arnold

Cornerback Carlton Davis missed three plays after leaving briefly with a minor injury.

Linemen Josh Paschal, Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike all played an absurd amount of snaps for big men thanks to the myriad injuries around them. Paschal was on the field for 61 snaps, with McNeill at 59 and Onwuzurike at 58. That’s over 85 percent for each.

In the third LB vs. third CB snap rate–the Lions almost always have one or the other, but not both, on the field–SAM Trevor Nowaske played more than nickel/slot Amik Robertson, 33 to 29.

The Lions only used No. 4 CB Kindle Vildor on three plays–the ones Davis sat out. No other corners played beyond special teams. Joseph and Branch were the only safeties who played. Reserve Brandon Joseph only played on special teams, while rookie Loren Strickland was inactive in Week 10.

On offense, the starting line and QB Jared Goff all played all 65 snaps. Veteran Dan Skipper got the nod at left tackle with Taylor Decker inactive due to a shoulder injury.

Jamarco Jones made his Lions debut with one official snap as an extra tackle (Skipper’s normal role), though he had two other plays that were negated due to penalties. No other linemen played outside of special teams.

The ever-popular running back splits saw Jahmyr Gibbs getting 60 percent of the workload to David Montgomery’s 40 percent. The Lions had one or the other in on every snap, but never played more than one. Gibbs and Montgomery were the only RBs who played on offense, with Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki very busy on special teams.

Jameson Williams returned from his two-game suspension and quickly resumed his WR2 role. He played 48 of the 65 offensive snaps, followed by Tim Patrick (32), Kalif Raymond (16) and Allen Robinson (4). Third TE Shane Zylstra got 19 snaps, behind Sam LaPorta (39) and Brock Wright (37), showing the Lions’ need for auxiliary blocking with Decker sidelined.