Tag: Robert Woods

Texans vs. Panthers Wednesday injury report: WR Robert Woods did not practice

The Houston Texans released their first injury report for Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers, and WR Robert Woods did not practice.

The Houston Texans have released their first injury report ahead of their Week 8 encounter with the Carolina Panthers Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at Bank of America Stadium.

The Texans listed receiver Robert Woods (foot) and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (knee) as non-participants in Wednesday’s practice.

Receiver Xavier Hutchinson (foot), tight end Brevin Jordan (foot), defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (calf), left tackle Laremy Tunsil (knee), and safety Jimmie Ward (rest) were listed as limited participants.

Linebacker Blake Cashman (wrist), receiver Tank Dell (concussion), guard-tackle Tytus Howard (hand), guard-tackle Josh Jones (hand), linebacker Denzel Perryman (hand), and cornerback Tavierre Thomas (hand) were listed as full participants.

For the Panthers, tackle Taylor Moton (knee) was listed as questionable.

For more information on Carolina’s injury report, check out the Panthers Wire.

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WATCH: Texans QB C.J. Stroud throws TD pass to WR Robert Woods against the Saints

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw a touchdown pass to Robert Woods in the second quarter of Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints.

Part of what makes C.J. Stroud an intriguing rookie is how the quarterback looks anything like a first-timer.

The Houston Texans’ No. 2 overall pick showcased some of his gridiron maturity yet again in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints at NRG Stadium. With 2:56 to go in the second quarter, Stroud threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to receiver Robert Woods on third-and-goal to push Houston ahead 17-7.

The play was there for Stroud a week ago against the Atlanta Falcons, but a defender batted the pass at the line of scrimmage. With a week to work on corrections, Stroud came back to the throw — just quicker this time.

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Behind Enemy Lines: 5 questions with Texans Wire

We went behind enemy lines to ask Texans Wire five questions before Week 2.

The Indianapolis Colts (0-1) and Houston Texans (0-1) are set to do battle at NRG Stadium on Sunday for a Week 2 divisional matchup.

As both teams look to get into the win column for the first time this season, there should be plenty to watch for in this divisional bout. But before they take the field, we caught up with Texans Wire editor Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) to get the latest scoop on the Texans.

We went behind enemy lines to ask Mark five questions about the Colts’ opponent in Week 2.

Tunnel Vision

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Tua Tagovailoa 466-5 3
 Mac Jones 316-15 3
 Jordan Love 245-12 3
 Anthony Richardson 223-40 2
 Deshaun Watson 154-45 2
Running Backs Yards TD
Aaron Jones 9-41 rush
2-86 rcv		 2
Austin Ekeler 16-117 rush
4-47 rcv		 1
Christian McCaffrey 22-152 rush
3-17 rcv		 1
Tyler Allgeier 15-75 rush
3-19 rcv		 2
Tony Pollard  14-70 rush
2-12 rcv		 2
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Tyreek Hill 11-215 2
Brandon Aiyuk 8-129 2
Jakobi Meyers 9-81 2
Kendrick Bourne 6-64 2
Calvin Ridley 8-101 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
Hunter Henry 5-56 1
Hayden Hurst 5-41 1
T.J. Hockenson 8-35 0
Donald Parham 3-21 1
Evan Engram 5-49 0
Placekickers XP FG
Nick Folk 0 5
Jake Elliott 1 4
Brett Maher 3 3
Jake Moody 3 3
Jason Sanders 3 3
Defense Sack – TO TD
Cardinals 6-3 1
49ers 5-2 0
Packers 4-2 1
Eagles 2-2 1
Cowboys 7-3 2

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

RB J.K. Dobbins – Torn Achilles
RB Aaron Jones – Hamstring
RB Evan Hull – Knee
TE Greg Dulcich – Leg
TE Pat Freiermuth – Chest
WR Diontae Johnson – Hamstring
WR Tyler Lockett – Concussion
WR Jayden Reed – Leg cramps

Chasing Ambulances

RB J.K. Dobbins – Sadly, the Ravens running back suffered another season-ending injury when he tore his Achilles, and he’s a free agent next year. In his place, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill fill in, but the Ravens have to look to free agency or trade to bulk up the backfield depth. The rookie Keaton Mitchell is on injured reserve with a shoulder issue and won’t possibly be back until three more weeks at the earliest. It’s a great offensive line and opportunity, but for now, Edwards and Hill will share the load until the Ravens acquire another back or get Mitchell back.

RB Aaron Jones – Pulled his hamstring as he scored his second touchdown and was held out of the rest of the game. He told teammates that he wasn’t seriously injured. A.J. Dillon would take over if Jones were to miss any time. But the Packers already had the game in hand, and Jones already totaled 127 yards and two scores. Barring unexpected news, his hamstring may not be an issue this week in Atlanta.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

Week 1 Realities – Opening week featured plenty of sloppy play, low scores and yardage, and more disappointments than delights. That’s what happened the last few years with the preseason turned into just a huge free-again tryout that results in mass firings on the 53-man cutdown. A few players shined on Sunday and won’t be that good again this year. But many flops will come back to life this coming weekend. Don’t give up on anyone by this point.

TE Hayden Hurst (CAR) – The debut of Bryce Young only resulted in 146 passing yards, but 41 went to Hurst, along with the lone receiving touchdown. He led the Panthers with five catches, and as so often happens, a tight end is a rookie quarterback’s best friend.

Falcon running backs – Bijan Robinson debuted to 56 yards on ten carries and scored on his six catches for 27 yards. Tyler Allgeier was just as busy with 15 rushes for 75 yards and three receptions for 19 yards. The Atlanta backfield led both the rushing and receiving for the team. Robinson is sure to take an increasing share of the workload, but Allgeier is much more than just a relief back. And he looked outstanding behind that Atlanta O-line.

WR Robert Woods (HOU) – Nico Collins (6-80) led the Texans receivers, but Woods caught six of his ten targets for 57 yards. The rookie C.J. Stroud threw for 242 yards, and the Texans will likely trail on the scoreboard and need to throw. Collins was expected to be the primary wideout, but Woods is also heavily involved.

WR Zay Flowers (BAL) – He was impressive this summer and that carried into the regular season. He led the Ravens with nine catches for 78 yards in the win over the Texans, while Odell Beckham was the next best with just two catches for 37 yards. Jackson already has chemistry with Flowers. That will change when Mark Andrews returns, but Flowers couldn’t have asked for a better debut on this run-first team. Losing J.K. Dobbins might prompt more passing.

NFL Tight Ends – What a horrible start to the year for the position. Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews were out. T.J. Hockenson was limited to only 35 yards on eight receptions. There were only four tight ends to record more than ten points in a reception-point scoring, and those were Hunter Henry (5-56, TD), Hayden Hurst (5-41, TD), Hockenson, and Donald Parham (3-21, TD). The position accounted for only six touchdowns on the week. That should change next week. Or so we all try to convince ourselves.

NFL Quarterbacks – That whole “it’s a passing league” is being tested. Of the 30 quarterbacks that have played, 14 were held below 200 passing yards. Only six threw for more than 250 yards. Less than half had more than one touchdown and only three managed more than two scores. It felt more like a December when passing declines with the weather than Week 1.

QB Joe Burrow (CIN) – It rained, and they were on the road. And the Browns always play them tough. But Burrows only completed 14 of 31 for 82 yards. Ja’Marr Chase dominated the receiving, but that only meant five catches for 39 yards. Tee Higgins had zero catches from eight targets. Burrow just got paid, so his paycheck is guaranteed. But a quick turnaround is needed, and the Ravens are showing up this week.

WR Calvin Ridley (JAC) – It was like he never left. Almost two years from his previous play, the ex-Falcon logged eight receptions for 101 yards and one score. He’s going to be a major factor all season.

QB Anthony Richardson (IND) – The Colts lost, but Richardson impressed. He ran for 40 yards and rushed in a touchdown, but he also passed for 223 yards and one score. And not to his running backs and tight ends. Michael Pittman caught eight passes for 97 yards and the touchdown. He didn’t look like a running back forced to throw a pass occasionally.

WR Jordan Addison (MIN) – The rookie added what the Vikings needed. He’s a very fast complement to Justin Jefferson and just opened his career with a 39-yard touchdown among his four receptions for 61 yards. Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson are still more targeted, but Addison is already becoming a factor in the offense.

WR DeAndre Hopkins (TEN) – He led the team with seven catches but only gained 65 yards and several of his 13 targets were errant long before they got near him. It is encouraging that he’s already catching seven passes, but he’s not getting very far downfield.

QB Derek Carr (NO) – For a Saints team that shuffled several quarterbacks for the last two Brees-less years, Carr opened his New Orleans tenure with a nice showing of 305 yards and a touchdown. And he relied heavily on his wideouts of Chris Olave (8-112), Rashid Shaheed (5-89, TD), and Michael Thomas (5-61).

RB Brian Robinson (WAS) – The Commanders leaned heavily on Robinson who ran 19 times for 59 yards and scored on his seven-yard reception. The preseason talk about Antonio Gibson reclaiming a bigger role and being more involved as a receiver sounded good, but he only ran three times for nine yards and caught one 10-yard pass.

WR Jakobi Meyers (LV) – The ex-Patriot transitioned to the Raiders quickly. While Davante Adams was held to 66 yards on six catches, Meyers turned in a team-high nine receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns. The duo accounted for 19 of the 26 passes thrown.

RB Samaje Perine (DEN) – Javonte Williams handled 13 carries for 52 yards, but his four catches only totaled five yards. Perine gained 41 yards on eight carries and led the Broncos with 37 yards on four receptions. The backfield was not only split 3:2 between the backs, but Perine was more effective with his carries and catches.

RB Joshua Kelley (LAC) – Austin Ekeler was a top running back this week and ran for 117 yards and a score on 16 carries. But Kelley also handled 16 rushes for 91 yards and a touchdown. And it was in a game that they lost by two points – not just the end of an already-decided game.

Philly backfield – Sure, they traded for D’Andre Swift, who is actually healthy (for now). But he was used for just one three-yard carry and one catch for no gain. The Eagles relied on Kenneth Gainwell (14-54) who also caught four passes for 20 yards which trailed only A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Rashaad Penny was inactive. It’s hard to believe that will persist, but so far, there is nothing reliable about the Eagles’ rushing effort other than they opened the year with their least accomplished rusher.

WR Puka Nacua / TuTu Atwell (LAR) – Cooper Kupp landed on injured reserve and the Rams turned to their two starting wideouts. With Matt Stafford back under center, Puka Nacua (10-119) and TuTu Atwell (6-119) came up with big yardage, even if Van Jefferson was held to only 24 yards on four catches. The Rams schemed to limit Jefferson but couldn’t handle Nacua or Atwell. Nacua carried on after an impressive preseason and would be the better choice in future games.

 Huddle player of the week

Tyreek Hill  – Come on. He boasted that he wanted 2,000 yards this season but currently, he is only on a pace to gain 3,655 yards after logging 11 receptions for 215 yards with two touchdowns in the win over the Chargers. This looks like a long year for defensive backs.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Mac Jones 316-15 3 QB Joe Burrow 82 0
RB Tyler Allgeier 94 2 RB Najee Harris 33 0
RB Kyren Williams 57 2 RB Dameon Pierce 47 0
WR Jakobi Meyers 81 2 WR Drake London 0 0
WR Kendrick Bourne 64 2 WR Tee Higgins 0 0
WR Puka Nacua 119 0 WR DJ Moore 25 0
TE Hunter Henry 56 1 TE Dallas Goedert 0 0
PK Nick Folk 5 FG PK Evan McPherson   1 FG
Huddle Fantasy Points = 152 Huddle Fantasy Points = 16

Now get back to work…

Texans QB C.J. Stroud shows poise despite 25-9 loss to Ravens

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud managed to not get frazzled despite taking a 25-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

The Houston Texans’ next franchise quarterback finally made his debut on Sunday.

After a preseason that featured true lows against the New England Patriots and an impressive touchdown to Nico Collins against New Orleans, C.J. Stroud made his regular season NFL debut on the road against the Baltimore Ravens. The rookie finished the contest 28 of 44 with no touchdowns and no interceptions on the contest. He added four rushes for 20 yards and one fumble while taking five sacks when using his legs.

Overall, it was a promising start for Stroud in a game where the odds were stacked against him. Baltimore had 19 pressures and frequently found ways around Houston’s offensive line that features injuries to starters Juice Scruggs, Kenyon Green and Tytus Howard. His only turnover of the game came when Houston’s staff made the interesting decision to substitute Michael Deiter, who took all of his camp snaps at left guard, at the right tackle position when George Fant went down. His passer rating unsurprisingly suffered when facing pressure.

Stroud led several long drives down the field on each of Houston’s three field goal attempts and looked like the rhythmic, accurate passer that was advertised leaving Ohio State. Of his pass attempts, 18.2% were tight window throws per NFL Next Gen Stats and Stroud wasn’t afraid to utilize the pinpoint precision that led him to be the second overall pick in the NFL draft.

The former Buckeye frequently targeted receivers Nico Collins (six catches, 80 yards) and Robert Woods (six catches, 57 yards) peppering both players with over 10 targets. Otherwise, no Houston player received more than four targets for the day.

A major concern leaving Ohio State was Stroud’s mobility and he began to alleviate some of those concerns on Sunday. He showed creativity on his scrambles and Baltimore certainly would have ended with a higher sack count without his ability to escape the pocket and target his receivers down the field.

Overall, it was a performance where it appeared that offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik trusted Stroud to carry a major load. The team wasn’t afraid to pass in any situation and they targeted all areas of the field, despite an inability to allow longer plays to develop.

Houston scored no touchdowns on the day and this will likely be the only moral victory of the season that the offense is willing to celebrate. Stroud will need to build upon the promising aspects of his performance and translate them to points in next week’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.

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Texans WR Robert Woods has seen continuous growth with QB C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans receiver Robert Woods says he has seen rookie C.J. Stroud demonstrate constant growth throughout each practice.

HOUSTON — DeMeco Ryans won’t be holding anyone in suspense this week as to who will be the starting quarterback when the Houston Texans host the Miami Dolphins Aug. 19 at NRG Stadium.

C.J. Stroud gets the nod once again after the Texans beat the New England Patriots 20-9. According to wide receiver Robert Woods, the No. 2 overall pick has shown a level of growth that has been observable throughout the joint practices with the Dolphins.

“I think he’s growing and growing as a quarterback,” Woods said about Stroud Thursday. “Even from the first preseason game to these two practices, I think we’re constantly learning and growing as a team.

“Seeing him grow as a quarterback, seeing different defenses, different looks, commanding the offense, I think that’s really good for our offense and for our quarterback to be able to compete, see different things. He’s going into this game as the starter, getting another game opportunity. He’s feeling it out and getting used to and be ready to go for the real action.”

Stroud hopes he gets more than two series, which was the amount he received in his first NFL action against New England, where he completed two of his four passes for 13 yards. His only blemish was an interception he threw on his second pass in the first series, eventually leading to points for the Patriots.

With the first-team reps and the second start of the preseason, Stroud has put himself in a position to be the regular season starter over third-year quarterback Davis Mills against the Baltimore Ravens to open the season.

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Texans WR Tank Dell developing as a run blocker

Houston Texans rookie receiver Tank Dell is cultivating his skills as a run blocker on the perimeter.

Versatility is the biggest trait coaches are looking for in the NFL.

With going from 90-man training camp rosters to 53 for the regular season, coaches are looking for players who can fill multiple roles. The same pressure is present during game weeks when coaches have to determine the best 46 players who can help win the game.

The Houston Texans know Tank Dell can catch, but the third-round receiver wants the team to know he can also be an asset as a run blocker.

Robert Woods told reporters Thursday that the 5-8, 165-pound wideout is working on his physicality to provide the Texans with a viable option in run blocking.

“I don’t think you guys are really seeing what he does in the run game as well,” Woods said. “Always fronting up and being the guy who — making sure his defender doesn’t make the tackle. Which is really good for a receiver — a young receiver and a receiver of his size.”

Dell caught 109 passes for 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns through 13 games for the Houston Cougars last season. No doubt the Texans hope Dell’s college production translates to the pro game, but he will give them as many other perks as possible.

“Being able to be involved in the run game and not only be a pass receiver, I think that’s really good for our offense and for his career, being so young,” said Woods.

Having a receiver willing to block in the Texans’ new offensive scheme is beneficial given offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s deployment of the West Coast Offense. With the objective to give the ball to playmakers in space, having a receiver who can hold a block on the perimeter can be key to springing chunk plays in the run game.

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Texans’ Noah Brown says Robert Woods is ‘ultimate veteran’ in WR room

Houston Texans wideout Noah Brown says Robert Woods is the paragon among veterans in the receiver room.

The Houston Texans have committed resources to having younger wideouts in Nico Collins, John Metchie, Tank Dell, and Xavier Hutchinson. However, the club also made a point in free agency to add veterans.

Houston signed former Dallas Cowboys receiver Noah Brown and ex-Tennessee Titans receiver Robert Woods in free agency in March.

Brown, 27, has played in 66 career games since entering the NFL as a 2017 seventh-rounder. The title for elder statesman clearly goes to Woods with his 142 career games since 2013 divvied up among three teams: Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, and the Titans.

“He is the ultimate veteran,” Brown told reporters Aug. 8.

Why having the “ultimate veteran” in Houston’s receiving corps helps is because of the composition of younger receivers. With Woods serving as the paragon of consistency, it can give the Texans’ younger wideouts an example to follow.

“I think he’s never out of his spot,” said Brown. “He’s always in a position where he’s able to help others, and he’s got a great feel for the offense. Even if he says nothing, watching him run his route and how he executes concepts, I think there’s a lot to learn from him.”

Woods caught 52 passes for 572 yards and two touchdowns through 17 games with Tennessee last year, 15 of which he started.

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Texans CB Shaquill Griffin sees WR Robert Woods’ influence on young wideouts

Houston Texans cornerback Shaquill Griffin faced Robert Woods twice in the NFC West, and sees some of his same moves permeating through the WR corps.

Shaquill Griffin and Robert Woods go way back.

From 2017-20, the Houston Texans cornerback and receiver faced each other as foes in the NFC West. Griffin played for the Seattle Seahawks while Woods suited up for the Los Angeles Rams.

It is why when Griffin was asked which receivers had performed well through a week and a half of training camp, all the former Pro Bowler could think about was Woods, the “savvy vet.”

“I got the chance to go against him twice a year when I was with Seattle and for him to continue to show up and be that leader for those guys you could tell they’re picking up a lot of the things that he does,” Griffin said.

Woods tore his ACL after nine games in 2021 when the Rams eventually won the Super Bowl. The former Buffalo Bills 2013 second-rounder spent 2022 with the Tennessee Titans, but hardly produced anywhere near his days in Los Angeles — 53 catches for 527 yards and two touchdowns.

Nevertheless the younger wideouts on the roster — John Metchie, Tank Dell to name a couple — still know Woods’ 142 career games give him credibility on playing the game consistently. Griffin is facing some of Woods’ moves as they permeate throughout the receiving corps.

“Even at the top of his route being able to use his hands and hand play to get off and create separation, I’m starting to see the guys do the same move that he’s doing, so I can tell that he is taking it upon himself to make sure that the young group of receivers is starting to step up in a major way.”

The Texans’ receiving corps doesn’t have a household name, which allows the unit to fly under the radar. However, names will emerge if the corps is able to play with any consistency as Woods as shown throughout his 11-year career.

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Tank Dell has worked on chemistry with Texans’ receivers, not just QB C.J. Stroud

Rookie wideout Tank Dell says he has worked to develop chemistry, not just with QB C.J. Stroud, but also the Houston Texans receiving corps.

Tank Dell took time in the offseason to go on trips with his Houston Texans teammates.

The third-round receiver notably went to Los Angeles to train with No. 2 overall quarterback C.J. Stroud, who should be part of a prolific tandem for seasons to come.

However, Dell wasn’t the only receiver on such trips. Robert Woods and Nico Collins were also working with Stroud as the passing attack worked on plays and routes in an effort to “get on the same page” by training camp.

“When the offseason came, we were going to UH (University of Houston) and throwing in the indoor, went to LA with the receivers,” Dell told reporters Aug. 1 after practice at Houston Methodist Training Center. “I feel like that’s all going to show when we’re going out there to make plays. Defense going to get some reps too because it’s football, but overall, I just feel like we’ve been putting ourselves in a good spot and going out there and making plays.

While quarterback-receiver chemistry is paramount, the cohesion between receivers is also key.

“C.J. trying to ask us what we like and how we like to run things and we’re trying to ask him, pick his brain and kind of maneuver through that combining it all as one, so we can go out there and compete,” Dell said.

Houston’s receiving corps isn’t as familiar to the rest of the NFL as it used to be. Nevertheless the Texans are counting on Dell and other younger wideouts to have breakout seasons to help their rookie quarterback acclimate successfully to the pro level.

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