Tag: Texans 2024 Season

Analysis: Texans lose more than a game against Chiefs in Week 16

The Houston Texans lost more than a football game on Saturday afternoon against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Houston Texans lost to a team that many believe is the league’s best offense when everything is clicking.

They lost more heading into the final two games of the regular season.

Wide receiver Tank Dell was carted off and taken to a local hospital after hauling in a 30-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud during the team’s 27-19 loss at Arrowhead Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Dell would stay overnight to be monitored for what’s being ruled a “significant” knee injury.

Dell, who suffered a season-ending leg injury last December, came down the pass but collided with fellow teammate Jared Wayne as he hit the turf. It was clear that the second-year receiver needed immediate medical attention as the scene went somber around the stadium for several minutes.

Stroud was seen visibly upset after the play. He needed to be consoled by running back Joe Mixon as Dell was loaded into the ambulance and taken to a nearby hospital.

Even after Dell was taken off the field, Stroud remained by the ambulance door and waited for his teammate to leave. Since being drafted last year, the second-year passer has considered Dell one of his best friends.

“Losing Tank, we lost one of our most explosive players, so everything around him has to pick him up,” Ryans said. “It’s difficult to defend when you have Nico [Collins] and Tank, and that changes things offensively.”

Dell was having his best game of the season for an offense needing a secondary threat in the passing game. He had six catches for 98 yards and the touchdown grab before leaving.

Stroud finished with 244 yards and two touchdown passes, but also had two interceptions, including one that led to an early 15-yard rushing touchdown from Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes, who had been dealing with a high ankle sprain throughout the week, threw for 260 yards and a touchdown while running in another score.

Chiefs rookie receiver Xavier Worthy finished with a team-high seven catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. Running back Kareem Hunt ran for 55 yards and another score.

In his first game back from a preseason shoulder injury, receiver Marquise Brown had five catches for 45 yards.

Dell was the most frightening injury, but not the only one suffered. Offensive lineman Shaq Mason (left knee) left on the fourth play of the game and did not return.

Safety Jimmie Ward (foot) was hurt late in the first half and needed to be carted off. His status for the remainder of the regular season remains questionable.

Houston tried to respond following Dell’s injury, but could only muster up a 33-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn. The Texans have already clinched the AFC South, so their postseason goals remain intact.

Three injuries, including one to a depleted receiver room, is the last thing the Texans could afford.

It’s now the reality of the hand dealt before the holidays.

Jimmie Ward injury update: Texans DB carted off with foot injury

Jimmie Ward is out for the remainder of the second half of Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The hits keep coming for the Houston Texans.

Down multiple starters, do-it-all defensive back Jimmie Ward left during the second quarter of Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs and is not expected to return.

The Texans trail 17-10 heading into halftime.

Here’s everything to know about Ward’s status moving forward.

Jimmie Ward injury update

Ward suffered a foot injury when trying to make a tackle on Chiefs tight end Travis Kecle. After writhing in pain on the field, a cart came out to take him back to the locker room for x-rays and further examination.

The Texans have ruled the starting defensive back questionable for the second half with a foot injury. Myles Bryant filled in for the veteran defender as the new starting nickel defender.

Will Jimmie Ward return?

Right now, it seems unlikely. Players often aren’t carted off a field only to make a miraculous return in the second half. Ward also has been playing in place of Jalen Pitre, who suffered a season-ending chest injury against the Tennessee Titans and will undergo surgery later this month.

Texans DB depth chart

The current plan is for Kamari Lassiter to take over inside the nickel, thus allowing former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to take over at the boundary cornerback position.

Here’s the current depth chart for the Texans cornerback room:

  • Derek Stingley Jr.
  • Kamari Lassiter
  • Kris Boyd
  • Jeff Oukdah

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

Here’s the injury report from Thursday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs

Here are the full injury reports from Thursday’s final practice ahead of the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs matchup at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 16.

Houston Texans (9-5)

OUT

  • OL Juice Scruggs (foot)
  • WR John Metchie III (shoulder)
  • DL Foley Fatukasi (ankle)
  • TE Cade Stover (illness)

QUESTIONABLE

  • LB Christian Harris (ankle)

PROABLE

  • RB Joe Mixon (ankle)
  • QB Davis Mills (illness)
  • LB Del’Shawn Phillips (foot)
  • OL Kenyon Green (shoulder
  • OL Nick Broker (hand)

Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)

OUT

  • OT D.J. Humphries (hamstring)
  • DB Chamarri Conner (concussion)

QUESTIONABLE

PROBABLE

  • WR Hollywood Brown (shoulder)
  • OL Creed Humphrey (ankle)
  • K Harrison Bader (knee)
  • QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle)
  • OT Jawaan Taylor (knee)

Could Stefon Diggs return to the Texans in 2024?

Four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs very well could head back to Houston for the 2025 season with the Texans.

Stefon Diggs might be out of sight, but the Houston Texans are on his mind following their 20-12 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

He also is thinking about a potential reunion in 2025.

Diggs, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts, told NFL Network’s Good Morning Football Crew Tuesday that “everything is good” with his recovery. He’s expected to be ready to go for the start of the 2025 season after a few more months of rehabilitation.

“It’s been a long road,” Diggs said. “I just took it day by day. It was tough in the beginning definitely, not being mobile, not being able to move around. But the more I get my two feet back, I’m just super blessed. I’m in a good spot.”

Diggs also mentioned the idea of returning to Houston for a second season, stating that with the path the team is headed on, he’d be “excited” to return for another year after an abrupt end.

“I don’t know what the future holds but I definitely got a home in Houston, and I love those guys over there,” Diggs said. “They’re good people.”

After joining the Texans following four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Diggs was on pace for another promising season as C.J. Stroud’s top target. Before suffering the injury, he had 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns in what could be his lone year with the Texans.

While signed to a long-term deal with the Bills, Houston restructured Diggs’ contract to a one-year deal after acquiring him for a 2025 second-round pick in April, allowing him to become a free agent after the regular season.

Before the injury, Diggs mentioned that Houston made him feel like there was something special in the works. The impact felt around the locker room helped him play better during his eight seasons.

“I knew them before like they were relatives of mine,” Diggs said. “Going into this season, it was just so much fun. I woke up every day with a smile.”

Since the injury, Diggs said he’s been away from the team but plans to be in the building for Houston’s Christmas Day game against the Baltimore Ravens.

“I’m extremely excited, and hopefully everything’s in a good spot,” Diggs said. “I can’t wait to see (my teammates), it’s been a while.”

The Texans (9-5) hit the road this weekend after clinching the AFC South to take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadiunm. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Analysis: Texans inch closer to division title with win over Dolphins

The Houston Texans are a victory away from back-to-back 10-win seasons following Sunday’s outing against the Miami Dolphins.

The Houston Texans did their job. Will the Denver Broncos help them out?

Nico Collins caught two touchdown passes from C.J. Stroud while the Texans’ defense forced four turnovers, including two fourth-quarter interceptions by Derek Stingley, to secure a 20-12 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at NRG Stadium.

“Stingley is playing just unbelievable football right now,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.

Should the Broncos beat the Colts out west, Houston would secure its second division title under Ryans in as many years.

Stingley. who could be the dark horse to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year honors, iced the game with 1:23 remaining with a pick against Tua Tagovailoa on a pass intended for Tyreek Hill.

Earlier in the game. Houston capitalized on another Tagovailoa turnover, this time caused by a stip-sack from Will Anderson Jr. Tim Settle recovered the ball and returned it to the Miami 26. Four plays later, Stroud connected with Collins for a 6-yard score.

The duo would find the end zone again with 11 minutes remaining in the third quarter after Dare Ogunbowale picked up 35 yards on a fake punt.

Stroud threw for 131 yards and two touchdowns. He also finished with a 106.6 passer rating, a season-best since Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots.

Houston’s ground game was limited behind Joe Mixon being shaken up by a hard hit during the second quarter. He finished with 23 rushing yards, but led the offense with five receptions for 33 yards.

Tagovailoa tried to lead a comeback down by 14 thanks to an 11-play, 73-yard drive capped off with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith on fourth down. Miami could have been within a touchdown, but Jason Sanders’ kick went wide left, leading to an 8-point margin.

Two late interceptions sealed the deal for Tagovailoa, who was credited with a season-high four turnovers. Miami (6-8) played without starting tackles Terron Armstead and Kendall Lamm. Tagovailoa threw for 196 yards, 143 of which came in the second half.

A scare occurred midway through the third quarter as Dolphins Grant DuBose was carted off after colliding with rookie defensive back Calen Bullock. Tagovailoa tried to lead DuBose out, but the receiver’s head violently hit the turf.

“There’s been some positive feedback related to some head and neck imaging,” coach Mike McDaniel said. “He will stay here overnight, and we’ll find out more by (Monday).”

Bullock was given a flag for unnecessary roughness for hitting a defenseless receiver on the play.

DuBose remained on the field for more than 10 minutes. Emergency medical assistance from trained personnel was required, which resulted in them having to cut off his jersey and a neck brace was put on him while he was taken to an ambulance.

The team said he was in stable condition and being taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Danielle Hunter inched closer to making league history with his 1.5-sack performance. He needs a half-sack from now until the end of the regular season to join the 100-career club before the end of the regular season.

Injuries

Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle suffered a knee injury in the second quarter and didn’t return.

Texans tight end Cade Stover was ruled out before kickoff after having an emergency appendectomy Saturday night.

Texans defensive Foley Fatukasi injured an ankle in the second quarter and did not return.

Stat of the Game

Once the Texans moved Stingley over to covering All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill, the game was close to over. The third-year defensive back limited Hill to one catch for 15 yards.

For the afternoon, Hill finished with two receptions for 36 yards.

“It’s a good opportunity going against somebody that’s the face of the NFL,” Stingley said. “So anytime you get to go out there on the field, it’s just a good time, just time to have fun.”

Up Next

The Texans travel to Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City might be short-handed without star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is considered week-to-week after suffering an ankle injury in Sunday’s win against the Cleveland Browns.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Houston Texans schedule: Are the Texans playing today? 

Are the Texans playing today? Here’s a look at the schedule and the games to come. 

Will the Houston Texans take the field today in Week 15 of the NFL football schedule?

Following a bye week, Houston returns to NRG Stadium to take on the Miami Dolphins for a potential AFC postseason preview.

With a win, Houston inches a step closer to securing the AFC South division title. If the Denver Broncos defeat the Indianapolis Colts during the late window, the Texans would secure their second division title under DeMeco Ryans in as many years.

Following Sunday’s contest, Houston hits the road for a Saturday showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Texans return home five days late to take on the Baltimore Ravens.

At 8-5, the Texans hold a two-game lead in the AFC South.

Watch Dolphins vs. Texans live on Fubo

Houston Texans 2024 schedule

  • Week 1: at Indianapolis (W, 29-27)
  • Week 2: vs. Chicago (W, 19-13)
  • Week 3: at Minnesota (L, 34-7)
  • Week 4: vs. Jacksonville (W, 24-20)
  • Week 5: vs. Buffalo (W, 23-20)
  • Week 6: at New England (W, 41-21)
  • Week 7: at Green Bay (L, 24-22)
  • Week 8: vs. Indianapolis (W, 23-20)
  • Week 9: at New York Jets (L, 21-13)
  • Week 10: vs. Detroit (L, 26-23)
  • Week 11: at Dallas (W, 34-10)
  • Week 12: vs. Tennessee (L, 32-27)
  • Week 13: at Jacksonville (W, 23-20)
  • Week 14: Bye
  • Week 15: vs. Miami
  • Week 16: at Kansas City
  • Week 17: vs. Baltimore
  • Week 18: at Tennessee
  • Record: 8-5

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CBS Sports reveals more insight to Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair’s suspension

There’s more than meets the eye with Azeez Al-Shaair’s suspension coming forward as the 2024 season concludes.

Azeez Al-Shaair won’t be back for the Houston Texans until the Week 18 finale against the Tennessee Titans.

He’s also dealing with more issues surrounding his contract as Houston prepares for its Week 15 battle against the Miami Dolphins.

Al-Shaair, who was suspended for three games because of an illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, will forfeit his next three game checks, but that’s not all he’s losing toward his salary.

According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, Al-Shaair’s $9 million guaranteed salary for the 2025 season will now automatically void due to the suspension. In total, Al-Shaair will lose $9.34 million because of the over $300,000 he’ll forfeit over the next three games.

The Texans inked the sixth-year linebacker to a three-year deal last offseason for $34 million, $21.5 million of which was guaranteed. Because the $9 million in base salary for 2025 automatically voids, Houston now has the option to release Al-Shaair after this season at no cost to the team.

But will they? According to Jones, no. Houston believes Al-Shaair is an anchor to DeMeco Ryans’ defense and will remain a part of the organization as the defensive captain for the foreseeable future.

“He’s part of our plans moving forward,” a Texans source told Jones. 

That money could be earned back if and when he makes the final 53-man roster next season, but the difference is that it won’t be guaranteed. Per the contract, the $9 million “shall immediately be deemed NULL AND VOID from the beginning and in its entirety regardless of whether or not the 2025 Guarantee had otherwise been earned according to its terms at the time of Player’s Default.”

Jones mentioned that Houston couldn’t use its own discretion and reverse the void. Overall, this is a moot point since Houston knows that Al-Shaair is a part of its foundation.

If he wasn’t, general manager Nick Caserio and Ryans wouldn’t have been so vocal when it was announced his suspension would be upheld by the league office following a hearing with NFLPA rep Ramon Foster. 

“We’re talking about some of the commentary that has been made about his character, about the person that he is, about what his intentions are from people that quite frankly don’t know anything about Azeez Al-Shaair,” Caserio said. “And for the league to make some of the commentary that they made about lack of sportsmanship, lack of coachability, lack of paying attention to the rules – quite frankly, it’s embarrassing.”

Derek Stingley Jr., Joe Mixon among 102 players given superlatives by ESPN

Danielle Hunter, Joe Mixon and Derek Stingley Jr. each feature one trait that makes them a “standout player” in 2024.

How good are the Houston Texans?

As a roster, perhaps a bit underwhelming.

As individuals? A trio of names continue to impress heading into the home stretch.

In the latest article from ESPN, defensive end Danielle Hunter, running back Joe Mixon and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. all were the top players for a certain superlative that stands out as an “elite trait” in 2024.

Mixon, who’s on pace to become the Texans’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Carlos Hyde in 2019, was named the NFL’s “vision/instincts” runner.

“Mixon has been an easy fit in Houston’s zone run game, pressing the ball to the edge and finding the cutback lanes,” ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote. “Mixon is averaging 88.7 rushing yards, the third most in the league.”

Hunter, a dark horse to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award, was given the accolade for “best spin move” after recording 10.5 sacks in 14 games.

“A super disruptive edge defender, Hunter leads the NFL with a pass rush win rate of 27.9%,” Bowen wrote. “He has a devastating spin move that puts blockers in conflict. Hunter’s 10.5 sacks and 42 pressures both rank in the top three around the league.”

Stingley, who’s transformed into a top-three cornerback entering Year 3, was given the title of “best backfield vision” for his ability to read quarterbacks.

“An emerging star in the league, Stingley can overlap seam balls and get a jump on in-breakers because of his backfield vision in the Texans’ scheme,” Bowen wrote. “He has three interceptions and 11 pass breakups.”

The Texans return to NRG Stadium to face off against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. With a victory, Houston would guarantee a second-winning season under DeMeco Ryans.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans odds: Houston opens as slight home favorite over Dolphins

The Houston Texans return to NRG Stadium as a favorite over the red-hot Miami Dolphins in Week 15.

Fresh off a bye week, the Houston Texans return home to take on the red-hot Miami Dolphins in Week 15. With a win, Houston would inch closer to securing a playoff berth and the AFC South division title. 

Houston (8-5) enters Sunday’s showdown a 3.5-point favorite against a Maimi (6-7) roster that’s won four of its last five games, according to odds from BetMGM. The over/under for points is currently set at 47.

The Dolphins surged their way back down eight points to secure a 32-26 overtime victory against the New York Jets, thus eliminating the AFC East franchise from the postseason picture. Tua Tagovailoa threw two late touchdown passes, including the 10-yard score to tight end Jonnu Smith in overtime. 

“When the Dolphins play well, they have a really good quarterback play. Tua [Tagovailoa] when he is on, getting the ball out fairly quickly and there is a lot of speed on the field,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. “Whoever he gets the ball to, whether it’s [De’Von] Achane or its [Tyreek] Hill, [Jaylen] Waddle, Jonnu, all those guys play extremely fast. 

“They have the ability to take a five-yard pass and turn it into an explosive.”

Week 15’s matchup will have extensive playoff implications for both parties. If the Dolphins lost, the Denver Broncos could be in a playoff-clinching scenario come Week 16. Should Houston win, it would create the same outlook if the Indianapolis Colts were to lose on the road against Denver. 

The Texans lead the all-time series, 8-3, but have lost the previous two matchups, including a 30-15 loss in their most recent showdown in 2022.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT. 

AFC playoff picture: Texans’ postseason odds, division standings after Week 14 win

Are the Houston Texans still the favorites to win the AFC South entering Week 15?

Coming out of the bye week, the Houston Texans are in good standing.

Sitting at 8-5, the Texans hold a two-game over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South standings entering Week 15’s showdown against the Miami Dolphins. The Colts take on the Denver Broncos, so Houston can’t clinch the division title with a win over one of the league’s hottest rosters.

As of now, the Texans are currently fourth in the AFC, but remain two games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills for the No. 3 seed. Here’s a look at the conference standings with four weeks remaining.

  1. Kansas City Chiefs: 12-1 (Clinched AFC West)
  2. Buffalo Bills: 10-3 (Clinched AFC East)
  3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-3 (AFC North)
  4. Houston Texans: 8-5 (AFC South)
  5. Baltimore Ravens: 8-5 (wild card)
  6. Los Angeles Chargers: 8-5 (wild card)
  7. Denver Broncos: 8-5 (wild card)
  8. Miami Dolphins 6-7
  9. Indianapolis Colts: 6-7

According to The Athletic’s playoff simulator, the Texans’ postseason odds currently sit at 97%. They also have a 94.1% chance to win the division, which shows that their likeliest path to the postseason is through the AFC South.

As long as the Texans win two of their final four games, they should be a lock to make the playoffs. Having an in-division loss would also benefit Houston, which currently sits at 4-1 in the division.