How would the Texans integrate J.J. Watt coming off injured reserve?

The Houston Texans have a chance to add J.J. Watt back to the lineup as he hopes to return from injured reserve. How would that work?

On Dec. 1, a report from Ian Rapoport emerged that defensive end J.J. Watt, who is on injured reserve with a torn pectoral, could return to the Houston Texans for their playoff run.

On Dec. 16, coach Bill O’Brien said that Watt is working hard on a possible return.

If Watt were to return, how would defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel rework him into the lineup?

“We won’t know until that occurs and see where he is, because every player who comes back from injury, you have to see where he is and what he can and cannot do,” Crennel told reporters on Dec. 18. “Then I think that will make the difference in how much he can help or will help, or if he helps.”

When Watt left Week 8’s 27-24 win over the Oakland Raiders shortly before halftime, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year had collected 24 tackles, 4.0 sacks, four tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble in eight starts. Watt wasn’t exactly having the banner season he was in 2018, but he gave the Texans a credible threat coming off the edge.

If Watt were to return, the Texans would have to evaluate if that edge presence was just as viable.

“Everybody who has an injury, when they get back you have to find out what they can do,” said Crennel. “They have to find out what they can do, because with the injury, they haven’t had the opportunity to twist and turn, and plant and cut, and get hit on it.

“So, all of those things have to occur to build up the player’s confidence to know that the injury is well and then now, he can turn it loose.”

The Texans’ path to the playoffs is in the wild-card round. Houston can secure a playoff berth with a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday that delivers them their sixth AFC South title in club history.

Texans-Buccaneers inactives: WR Keke Coutee inactive

The Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers declared their inactives ahead of Week 16’s game, and WR Keke Coutee was again inactive.

The Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced their inactives ahead of their Week 16 showdown on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. CT on NFL Network.

WR Keke Coutee, TE Jordan Thomas, WR Steven Mitchell, DE Joel Heath, and CB Cornell Armstrong were declared inactive. OLB Jacob Martin (knee) and ILB Benardrick McKinney (concussion) were declared inactive from Thursday’s injury report.

For the Buccaneers, NT Beau Allen (ankle), WR Chris Godwin (hamstring), and TE Tanner Hudson (concussion) were declared inactive on Thursday’s injury report. OLB Kahzin Daniels, OT Jerald Hawkins, TE Jordan Leggett, and OG Aaron Stinnie were also declared inactive.

In their own words: 4 keys for the Texans to beat the Buccaneers

The Houston Texans rarely meet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, on Sunday they’ll do so. Deshaun Watson and Bill O’Brien discuss keys of victory.

The 9-5 Houston Texans can officially enter the postseason on Saturday if they were to beat the 7-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After defeating the 8-6 Tennessee Titans, all they need is one win to win the AFC South crown for the second straight season.

Though the Buccaneers aren’t playoff-bound, they aren’t an easy task. They have a much-improved defense from seasons prior, have won four in a row and, under Bruce Arians, are quietly boasting one of the NFL’s best offenses for the second year in a row.

If the Texans want to beat the red-hot Bucs, they made need to follow a few keys that members of the team talked about in the week heading into the Saturday matchup.

Romeo Crennel: Put defense in positions to exploit Jameis Winston’s turnover woes

Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston is the epitome of a boom-or-bust player at his position. He leads the NFL in passing yards (4,573) and is second in touchdowns (30). He’s also tops in interceptions thrown (24) and third in sacks taken (43).

Those interception numbers are something that catches the Texans’ eye. Houston’s defense, coached by defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, is looking to exploit Winston’s chronic turnover issues. How so? They need to make sure their position is down.

“We look at it and see what we think the reason for the mishap is. Sometimes, he and the receiver are not on the same page. He sees one thing, the receiver sees something else and then boom, the ball gets thrown and it gets intercepted,” Crennel said on Wednesday.

“But generally, when he’s on the same page with the receiver, it’s a completion and so I don’t think that you can count on them not being on the same page. You have to do your job, put yourself in position and then if it happens that you have the opportunity to make a play, you make a play.”

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Texans versus Buccaneers: Who has Houston in Week 14?

The Houston Texans will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a matchup that can get them into the playoffs. Do the experts have them winning?

The 9-5 Houston Texans can clinch their spot in the playoffs with a win over the 7-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday.

A matchup between two of the NFL’s best offenses, the Texans and Buccaneers have momentum. Houston is coming off of a big victory, beating the 8-6 Tennessee Titans last Sunday. Tampa Bay has won four in a row behind Jameis Winston.

The Bucs will be without their top-two wide receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. However, the Texans’ inconsistencies mean that Tampa Bay won’t easily fold on Saturday. Or will they? The experts make their picks.

CBS Sports (Pete Prisco): Buccaneers

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports expects a close game on Saturday. However, he has the Texans losing the game that can win them the AFC South, in large part due to Jameis Winston’s play as of late.

Said Prisco:

“The Bucs are rolling, having won four consecutive games. But they are out of playoff contention, while the Texans can lock up the AFC South with a victory. That matters. But so does the way Jameis Winston is playing. This will be a fun, high-scoring game as the Bucs take it.”

Pick: Buccaneers, 31-30

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Steelers vs Jets: 53-man roster update sorted by jersey number

The Steelers had to shuffle their 53-man roster late in the week but we’ve got you covered.

Just when we thought the Pittsburgh Steelers were done shuffling their 53-man roster around, they are forced to make a change. We have updated our roster gallery sorted by jersey number to reflect the release of safety Kam Kelly and the addition of former practice squad safety Marcus Allen. This week the Steelers take on the New York Jets.

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Week 16 rooting guide: A backup plan for the Ravens’ playoff hopes

The Baltimore Ravens don’t need to win in Week 16 in order to clinch the No. 1 or No. 2 seed. All they need is a little help.

The Baltimore Ravens have a game of their own this week but with the 2019 season winding down, it’s the time of the year where we pay attention to the rest of the league.

While the Ravens can clinch the top spot in the AFC playoff picture by beating the Cleveland Browns, they have a pretty solid backup plan. With a little help, it won’t matter how Baltimore performs in Week 16, they can still lock up the No. 1 seed. But to get there, Ravens fans will have to start rooting for a few other teams.

Let’s take a look at which teams Baltimore should be cheering on in Week 16.

Buffalo Bills (10-4) at New England Patriots (11-3)

Rooting for: Bills

This is a huge game for both Buffalo and New England. It would open the door for the Bills to take the lead in the AFC East in Week 17 and could be the end of a Patriots stranglehold on the division. More importantly, it’s a piece of the puzzle for the Ravens this week.

If Baltimore were to fall to Cleveland, Buffalo beating New England would lock the Ravens into at least the No. 2 seed this week. Baltimore would get a first-round bye in the postseason if the Bills handle their business in Week 16.

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Cardinals vs. Seahawks ultimate Week 16 preview

The Arizona Cardinals take on their division rival Seattle Seahawks in this exciting week 16 matchup.

When the NFL schedules are released in April, the annual trip to CenturyLink Field is always circled by Cardinals fans. The rivalry between the Cardinals and the Seahawks has produced some very memorable games over the past few years. Sunday will mark the second matchup between Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson, two of the league’s more dynamic quarterbacks.

Before we dive into Sunday’s matchup, here were some of the previous games at CenturyLink Field:

2018: The Cardinals lose on a last-second field goal by Sebastian Janikowski after a near-comeback by quarterback Josh Rosen.

2017: Blair Walsh misses a potential game-winning field goal as the Drew Stanton-lead Cardinals upset Seattle in Bruce Arians’ final game with the team

2016: Quarterback Carson Palmer and David Johnson put on an offensive clinic as the Cardinals win on a last-second Chandler Catanzaro field goal.

2015: The Cardinals and MVP candidate Carson Palmer get a statement victory on Sunday Night Football against the defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks.

2014″ The Cardinals are unable to find any offensive momentum and lose 19-3 in disappointing fashion.

2013: In a game dominated by defense, Carson Palmer finds Michael Floyd on a long pass down the sideline to beat Seattle and keep their playoff hopes alive.

2012: The Cardinals suffer arguably their worse loss in team history, losing 58-0.

So, aside from two outings, the Cardinals and Seahawks games have always been very fun.

At this point in the season, there are fans who want the team to lose in favor of a higher draft pick. They’ve given up on the season and are already thinking about their favorite college player. In a game like this, fans should want to see a Cardinals victory, for a signature win against the No. 1 seed of the NFC would go a long way in the direction of the franchise. It could make the Cardinals a more attractive destination for free agents, which would improve the team quicker than any draft pick would. All in all, beating Seattle would be very beneficial to the outside view of the Cardinals.

With that said, let’s preview this game.

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Texans’ Deshaun Watson, Buccaneers’ Jameis Winston have mutual respect

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston have mutual respect for each other.

Deshaun Watson was the starting quarterback at Clemson on Sept. 20, 2014, versus Florida State. Jameis Winston was serving a suspension.

They never met in the ACC, but the two first-round picks, who have immense respect for each other, will get a chance to meet in the NFL Saturday when the Houston Texans face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

“Regardless of who’s out there on the field, he’s going to go out there and ball. He’s going to play and he’s going to play hard,” Watson said of Winston Tuesday. “He’s going to take his chances. He’s going to make mistakes, but he’s going to turn those mistakes into positive plays on the next drive.”

Winston leads the NFL in passing yards (4,573) and is second in passing touchdowns (30). He’s also the most intercepted (24 picks) and third-most sacked (43) passer. Despite his mistakes and often negative plays, Watson sees the 25-year-old as one of the NFL’s great shot-callers.

“He’s a guy that’s going to lead and he’s going to be a lot of — he has a lot of confidence whenever he steps on the field that he’s going to make the play and he’s always going to make the play,” Watson said. “He’s definitely a great quarterback in my eyes.”

Meanwhile, Winston thinks Watson is going to delight spectators for a long-time.

“I’ve met him twice — really respect his game,” Winston told Buccaneers media on Tuesday. “I think he’s a phenomenal player. He has his own way. Plays with tremendous swag, can throw any pass on the field, and he’s a great leader. We’re going to all enjoy watching him for a very long time.”

Watson has 3,668 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions passing on the season. A dual-threat, he also has seven rushing touchdowns and 376 ground yards. On Tuesday, the NFL named him a Pro Bowler for the second time in his three year NFL career.

No matter the outcome on Saturday, respect will be in the air among the two young quarterbacks.

Bucs QB Jameis Winston can watch Texans QB Deshaun Watson break one of his records

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson can break one of Jameis Winston’s passing records against his Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday.

On Dec. 21, the Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will kick off the NFL’s 2019 slate of Saturday games.

Though the two don’t share many commonalities and one is a playoff team (Texans) while the other isn’t (Buccaneers) it’s an intriguing matchup between two of the NFL’s most exciting quarterbacks, Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston.

The match is an opportunity for the Texans to clinch the AFC South. It’s also one for Watson to break one of Winston’s records.

If Watson were to pass for 244 yards, he would pass Winston’s record of the sixth-most passing yards (9,775) through a player’s first 38 career NFL games.

Watson averages 257.6 yards per game and a career-high 262 per in 2019.

While not a statistic that will draw viewers in, it’s an interesting touch to a game that features little storylines between the two teams. Perhaps Watson breaking one of Winston’s record could warrant a jersey swap postgame between the two young quarterbacks.

The Buccaneers’ run defense should scare the Texans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers carry one of the NFL’s best run defenses. That should scare the run-happy Houston Texans on Saturday.

Behind Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins, the Houston Texans are one of the NFL’s most fearsome passing offenses. However, much of their success offensively stems from the rushing game.

With Carlos Hyde leading and Duke Johnson sprinting behind him, the Texans are the seventh-best rush attack, averaging 130.9 yards per game. The run game, which has scored 14 touchdowns, can start and end games for Houston; it can also help develop the play-action, and subsequently, the passing game.

If the Texans can’t run, their offense often struggles. That’s music to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ ears, who have the NFL’s No. 1 ranked rush defense alongside a young talented but inconsistent secondary.

Tampa Bay allows just 73.3 rushing yards per game, top in the NFL, and 53.3 per in their last three outings. Their success under defensive coordinator Todd Bowles should come as no surprise considering the talent on-board.

The Buccaneers’ front-seven is one of the most talented units in the NFL.

Running a 3-4 defense, defensive linemen three-time All-Pro Ndamukong Suh and 2018 first-round pick Vita Vea are massive, powerful forces who plug up the interior. Fellow lineman and starter William Gholston is a pleasant surprise, recording a 71.1 Pro Football Focus grade on the season.

To back up the linemen, the Bucs carry sack-leader (16.5) and Pro Bowler Shaq Barret, the big Carl Nassib (6-7, 275) and two-time Pro Bowler Jason Pierre-Paul on the edges.

Prowling in the middle of the front-seven, No. 5 pick rookie linebacker Devin White and former All-Pro Lavonte David make things stuff for anyone seeking to win running up the gut. They fly everywhere with surreal athleticism and sure-tackling.

In culmination, analytics agrees with rushing yardage allowed totals. Football Outsiders has Tampa Bay as the NFL’s top rush defense, allowing an outstanding -29.7% DVOA on the ground. They allow the second-ranked 3.15 adjusted line yards and stuff at the second-highest rate (30%).

In short, the Bucs are big, experienced, passionate and athletic as a run defense. Hyde and Johnson may not be in for a big day on Saturday, as Tampa Bay could force the Texans’ hand into passing the majority of plays.