Tag: Texans Football 2024

Texans WR Stefon Diggs ‘blocking out noise’ in reunion against Bills

Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs is only focused on winning Sunday against the Buffalo Bills and not the outside noise.

Stefon Diggs isn’t worried about facing off against his former team when the Buffalo Bills arrive at NRG Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

He wants to lead the Houston Texans to a 4-1 start. That’s the top priority for the four-time Pro Bowl target.

“Block out the noise. A lot of other people are going to feel away or have a lot to say about X,Y, Z, and I don’t mind. I’m not mad at it,” Diggs said Wednesday during the open locker room sessions. “Just trying to go 1-0. Obviously, they’re a good team. They have a lot of guys that can fly around on the defense. But they’re a really good team. So, I look forward to it.”

Week 5’s matchup between the Texans and Bills has countless storylines to monitor. C.J. Stroud faces off against Josh Allen for what could be a usual showdown in January. The Texans and Bills both seem to be gunning for second place in the AFC contender category behind Kansas City.

But all sights are one Diggs, who spent the previous four seasons with the Bills as Allen’s top target. Even though the two sides parted ways on what feels like mutual terms, everyone understands what a win would mean for either side in the breakup.

“We know what type of week this is for Stef,” receiver Nico Collins said Thursday. “It’s another important week for the team to win a home game on our home turf.”

Diggs became one of the league’s top weapons amid his four-year stay with the Bills. He earned a first-team All-Pro nod in 2020. He also became a three-time captain and four-time Pro Bowl selection.

With Allen, Diggs posted the most receptions (445) and receiving yards (5,372) and was tied for the most receiving touchdowns (37) of any quarterback-receiver duo during that stretch. By the time he was traded to Houston in April, Diggs finished fourth in Bills history in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

“The things that he did for me in my career, and the things that he did in a Buffalo Bill uniform won’t be forgotten anytime soon, especially from me,” Allen told reporters earlier this week. “So, that’s how I look at it.”

Diggs, who currently ranks second in both receptions (25) and receiving yards (233), wants to be a part of the team. A constant narrative during his time in Buffalo and Minnesota revolved around his persona of being a “stats guy” over a team player.

Second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud only sees a player who’s helped strengthen a locker room amid struggling moments.

“He’s helped me out a ton as you can see, we’re clicking more and more,” Stroud said. “He’s finally having fun playing the game.”

Last week, Diggs scored his first rushing touchdown. He nearly threw a six-point score, but the receiver missed his window, leading to an 8-yard scuffle toward the end zone.

Come Sunday, Diggs has a chance to add another accolade to his trophy case by besting Buffalo. He’s changed teams, but many would agree that he’s also changed perceptions.

“Things usually turn the corner when I get somewhere else,” Diggs said. “There’s usually smiles and a lot of positive stuff. I just take it with a grain of salt. I got big shoulders.”

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans receive update on WR Tank Dell for Week 5

Tank Dell returned to practice for the first time in over a week for the Houston Texans.

Tank Dell is looking “good to go” for Sunday’s showdown against the Buffalo Bills for the Houston Texans.

Dell, who missed Week 4’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a chest injury, returned to practice for the first time in over a week.

According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Dell is expected to play in Sunday’s matchup against the 3-1 Bills.

Dell left early in the Texans’ 34-7 loss to the Vikings after catching a season-high five passes for 62 yards on six targets. Entering the week, he had only caught four balls for 34 yards.

A third-round pick out of the University of Houston, Dell caught 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games as a rookie last season before he broke his fibula in early December.

Without Dell, Houston most relied on the duo of Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins to secure a 24-20 victory Sunday afternoon. Collins surpassed Andre Johnson’s 2018 record for the most receiving yards to begin the season after catching 12 passes for 151 yards and a score.

Entering October, Collins leads the NFL in receiving yards (489) and ranks second in receptions (30).

Texans safety Jimmie Ward returned to practice from a groin injury that sidelined him against the Jaguars. Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil missed practice with ankle injuries.

Kickoff against the Bills at NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon.

Instant analysis: Texans struggle to find offensive consistency in loss to Vikings

The Houston Texans stumble on offense en route to their first loss of the regular season against the Minnesota Vikings.

This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccurate headline

They don’t call it the Frozen Thundra for nothing.

The Houston Texans’ offense remained cold as C.J. Stroud threw a pair of interceptions en route to a 34-7 loss against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Davis Mills replaced Stroud in the final five minutes to ensure he remained healthy for next week’s divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In a game with countless history between both sides, Minnesota (3-0) set the standard thanks to a pair of former Texans. Jonathan Greenard, who led the Texans in sacks last year, pressured Stroud into throwing a tad late on the opening drive.

His pass was batted at the line of scrimmage and landed in the arms of former Texans linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill for an interception.

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Stroud, who was 20 of 31 for 215 yards, was sacked four times. The rhythm between the Pro Bowl quarterback and go-to receiver Nico Collins was off, minus a 34-yard gain in the third quarter.

That set up a 6-yard touchdown pass to Cam Akers, who recorded his first start since Week 1 of the 2023 season in place of the injured Joe Mixon.

Defensively, Houston couldn’t slow down former first-round pick Sam Darnold’s connection with Justin Jefferson in the first half. Following Stroud’s first interception, the duo connected on an 8-yard pass to take an early 7-0 lead.

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Darnold, who was 17 of 28 for 181 yards, connected with Aaron Jones for scores in the first quarter to extend the lead to 14. In the second half, he delivered a touchdown to Jalen Nailor for the third straight game and before tying his career-high in touchdown passes on a 4-yard pass to tight end Johnny Mundt in the fourth.

Houston’s defense recorded four sacks but allowed four explosive plays of 20-plus yards.

The Texans never capitalized and were clearly off-balance between a blend of crowd noise and pressure generated by defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Last week against the 49ers, Flores forced Brock Prudy into throwing two interceptions because of his pressure rate.

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Greenard finished with three sacks against his former teammate. Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil was flagged five times, including three for false starts, bringing his season total to seven through three games.

Stefon Diggs, who returned to Minneapolis for the first time since being traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2020, led the Texans with 10 catches for 94 yards. Collins, who entered Sunday as the NFL’s leading receiver, finished with 86 yards on four catches.

The Vikings improved to 6-0 all-time against the Texans and 3-0 on the season for the first time since 2016.

The Texans return home to take on the Jaguars next Sunday at noon CT.

Texans vs. Vikings: RB Cam Akers makes first start since 2023

For the first time in over a year, Houston Texans running back Cam Akers is starting a football game.

For the first time since Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season, Cam Akers is starting at running back.

The best part? It’s against his former team.

With the Houston Texans down two running backs, Akers started the game behind C.J. Stroud at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Minnesota Vikings. 

After a promising preseason, Akers proved he could still have value as a secondary runner despite coming off a torn Achilles. He led the Texans in rushing yards and scored a pair of touchdowns as the team’s top back against the Los Angeles Rams.

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After starting with Los Angeles in 2023, Akers was traded to the Vikings. He was in a groove as the No. 2 option before suffering a second torn Achilles on November 5.

Earlier this week, Akers said he was ready to start if given the opportunity.

“You don’t got to get ready when you stay ready,” Akers told reporters. “I’ve been preparing for this moment, and I’m ready for it. I’m ready to take advantage.”

The Texans are looking for their first start since 2012 and their first win over the Vikings in franchise history.

Where do the Texans rank statistically heading into Week 3?

Here’s where the Texans stand heading into Week 3’s road trip against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Houston Texans (2-0) look to continue their winning ways against undefeated opponents heading into Week 3’s road trip against the Minnesota Vikings. And even though there are questions surrounding Joe Mixon’s health, Houston proved to the nation it’s a threat to go deep into the AFC postseason.

The Texans are coming off a 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears, thanks to a stellar defensive showcase. The Bears’ offense, headlined by No. 1 overall pick Caelb Williams, never found a rhythm due to a seven-sack outing from Houston’s front seven.

Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter combined for three QB takedowns, while Derek Stingely Jr. and Kamari Lassiter each recorded their first interception of the regular season.

Offensively, C.J. Stroud continued his pinpoint-accurate fold with Nico Collins, connecting eight times for 135 yards and a touchdown. Houston must see a better outing from Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, however, if it plans on silencing a Brian Flores-led defense.

With Week 3 on deck, how did the Bears compare to the rest of the NFL last season? Looking at the major metrics (courtesy of Team Rankings, ESPN, The Football Database and StatMuse), here is where Houston ranked following Week 2:

Offense

Rank Stat
Points per game 11th 24.0 ppg
Passing offense 12th 219.5 ypg
Rushing offense 10th 144 ypg
Total offense 9th 363.5 ypg
3rd down conversions 15th 39.29%
Red zone scoring 3rd 80.00%
Sacks allowed 11th 7
Turnovers 22nd 1

Gallery: Texans defeat Bears, 19-13, in Week 2

Here are the best photos from Sunday Night Football between the Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans.

The Texans improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2016 after securing a 19-13 victory over the Chicago Bears Sunday night at NRG Stadium. Here were the best phots from the evening.

Could Texans rookie DB Calen Bullock see more reps against Bears?

Calen Bullock could be the x-factor in Sunday’s matchup for the Houston Texans as Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears head to NRG Stadium.

While Calen Bullock is a part-time starter, he’s proven to be a full-time ball hawk in the Houston Texans secondary.

The playmaking safety from USC has consistently caught the coaches’ attention at practice and throughout the preseason thanks to his range, closing speed and newfound physicality.

In the Hall of Fame game, Bullock caused a fumble at midfield against tight end Tommy Sweeny.

A week later versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, he almost made a diving interception after tracking the ball for 30 yards in the air.

Those types of moments have been a common theme in practice. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has come away impressed with Bullock’s steady growth as a third-round pick.

“Calen did what he’s done every day in training camp,” Ryans said last week. “He went and took the football.”

That “football” became a statement moment for Houston in Sunday’s 29-27 win over the Colts. Indianapolis was driving heading into halftime as Anthony Richardson looked to give his team a four-point lead entering the second quarter.

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Richardson overshot tight end Kylen Granson on a crossing route, giving Bullock enough time to read and react before the ball touched the ground. He dove, scooping the passing with his chest to record his first career interception.

“Not many rookie safeties have done that — get an interception in their debut game — and Calen can add his name to the list,” Ryans said Wednesday afternoon. “It wasn’t surprising to me, and that’s why we want to get him on the field. Because he has such a great knack for finding the football and actually coming down with it and making game-changing plays.”

Bullock, who totaled nine interceptions during his three seasons at USC, now faces a test that could bode well in his favor. The Chicago Bears enter NRG Stadium for the Texans’ home opener, headlined by No. 1 overall pick and former Heisman winner Caleb Williams.

Bullock, who graded out as Pro Football Focus’ highest-ranked rookie in Week 1 (82.3), remembers facing Williams in practice out in the California heat. He knows what Williams’ peak looks like, but also mentioned there were times when he’d come away with the turnover during team drills.

“He can do it all,” Bullock said. “This game, we’re trying to keep that boy in the pocket. Once he gets outside the pocket, he tries to make things happen. Most times, he makes things happen.”

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The Texans have an inside track on continuing Williams, who struggled in his debut against the Tennessee Titans. The two were close out in Los Angeles, often talking about their futures and how they planned to build off their college careers in the pros.

This week, Bullock won’t talk to his former Trojan teammate. He said he’s blocked Williams to prepare for the primetime game and expects plenty of trash-talking between the two when either side steps up and delivers.

It’s all fun and games at the end of the day. The two will embrace when the clock hits zero and will head back to the locker room with another game under their belt.

Players commonly trade jerseys following the game, but Bullock said his first home jersey isn’t leaving his locker,

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“I’ll send him one after the game, but I’m not trading jerseys,” Bullock laughed.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Who wins Week 2 game between Texans and Bears?

Who wins Sunday night when the Houston Texans take on the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium?

The Houston Texans will battle the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football as the primetime game of the week.

These two potential contenders met earlier in the preseason as part of the Hall of Fame game. Starters didn’t play, so Sunday night on NBC will mark the first time C.J. Stroud and Caleb Williams do battle in their careers. 

Both were Heisman finalists when Williams won the award at USC in 2022. Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year last fall after guiding Houston to its first postseason berth in four years, said Willaims is a playmaker who excels at extending plays and “making all the cool throws.”

“You don’t gotta be a superhero, you don’t gotta try to make all the plays,” Stroud said. “Sometimes the boring plays are good.”

Houston is fresh off a 29-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts thanks to newcomers setting the tone. Stefon Diggs caught two touchdown passes and finished with six receptions.

Joe Mixon, who won AFC Offensive Player of the Week, rushed for a league-leading 159 yards on 30 carries and a scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, Chicago is coming off a 24-17 comeback win over the Tennessee Titans (0-1), where defense and special teams rose to the occasion as rookie Caleb Williams and the offense struggled. After trailing 17-0, the Bears scored 24 unanswered points, notching three takeaways and scoring defensive and special teams touchdowns en route to the miraculous win.

The Texans are a 6.5-point home favorite against the Bears, per BetMGM. It’s not surprising considering that Williams struggled on his debut and benefitted for stellar defensive play. 

Will Houston set a standard in the home opener? Will the Bears become the team people must talk about heading into Week 3? 

Who wins on Sunday?

VOTE!

Texans vs. Bears, Week 2 injury report: Thursday

For the second straight day, Dalton Schultz was not at Houston Texans practice.

Dalton Schultz’s status is looking bleaker by the moment heading into Sunday’s contest against the Chicago Bears.

For the second consecutive afternoon, the veteran tight end did not practice, putting his status as questionable for the Houston Texans’ home opener on NBC.

Schultz caught three passes for 16 yards in Week 1’s 29-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

If Schultz is unavailable, the Texans will lean on tight ends Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover. Both players saw action in Sunday’s victory at Lucas Oil Stadium, with Stover even taking reps at fullback for the first time in his career.

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“Special shout-out to Stover,” running back Joe Mixon said postgame. “He made critical blocks. … I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a fullback in front of me. It’s a hell of a feeling, man.”

If needed, Houston could also elevate Chris Myarick from the practice squad to fill his void.

Running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring), receiver Nico Collins (illness) and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs (groin) all were limited participants during drills. Defensive back M.J. Stewart (knee) also did not practice for the second consecutive day this week.

For Chicago, four players missed practice due to injury, including receivers Rome Odunze (knee) and Keenan Allen (heel).

Drafted ninth overall out of Washington, Oduzne suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain and is currently day-to-day.  Allen, who reaggravated a heel injury in Sunday’s win over the Titans, was expected to return Thursday.

His status for Sunday’s game is now in jeopardy.

D.J. Moore was one of three receivers who practiced without issue, joining second-year target Tyler Scott and returner DeAndre Carter. Like John Metchie III, Scott was a healthy scratch in Sunday’s home opener. Carter, who previously played in Houston, played 13 total offensive snaps in place of Odunze.

Offensive linemen Ryan Bates (shoulder/elbow) and fullback Khari Blasingame (hand/knee) did not practice.

Fellow offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie (quad) was limited in drills. Defensive tackle Zacch Pickens, who didn’t play in Week 1 due to a groin injury, was a full participant at practice while defensive end DeMarcus Walker (ankle) also returned to practice in limited fashion.

Veteran Mercedes Lewis had a rest day.

Chicago Bears

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
WR Keenan Allen heel DNP DNP
OL Kiran Amegadjie quad LP LP
OL Ryan Bates shoulder/elbow LP DNP
FB Khari Blasingame hand/knee LP DNP
TE Marcedes Lewis veteran rest day — DNP
WR Rome Odunze knee DNP DNP
DL Zacch Pickens groin LP FP
DL DeMarcus Walker foot DNP LP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation; FP: Full participation

Texans’ C.J. Stroud offers Bears QB Caleb Williams advice ahead of Sunday Night Football

C.J. Stroud offered a piece of advice to Caleb Williams entering Week 2’s showdown at NRG Stadium.

C.J. Stroud didn’t get to spend much time watching how Caleb Williams’ debut went for the Chicago Bears, but he knows that come Sunday Night, one team will remain undefeated while the other sits at .500.

Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was far from perfect in his debut against the Tennessee Titans. He failed to total 100 passing yards and completed less than 55 percent of his pass attempts.

But it’s the first game. Things will improve. They have given Williams’ hyper athleticism, poise and jaw-dropping skills under center following a two-year domination as USC’s starter under Lincoln Riley.

That’s the version the Bears need Williams to be if they plan on competing for a spot in the NFC postseason each year.

That’s the version Stroud believes Williams must be if he plans on lasting in the league.

“Be yourself,” Stroud said following Wednesday’s practice. “Understand whatever got you here is good enough.”

Rookies will have their struggles while developing into standouts. Every position has its growing pains over 18 weeks.

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Well, minus Stroud. He set a new standard for rookie passers after guiding the Houston Texans to their first playoff appearance in four years while becoming the fifth passer in league history to throw for 4,000 yards in Year 1.

On top of being named Offensive Rookie of the Year, Stroud joined Tom Brady and Joe Montana as the only other quarterback to lead the league in passing yards per game and touchdown-to-interception ratio in the same season. Neither Hall of Fame passer did that as a rookie.

But Stroud, fresh off a two-touchdown performance in a 29-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts, said he doesn’t miss being a rookie quarterback. There’s pressure to be the face of a franchise months after leaving the college life behind.

It’s the same pressure Williams faces now in Chicago. The Bears are the only franchise without a passer to throw for over 4,000 yards since their founding in 1920. Chicago’s also hit the reset button at quarterback three times in eight years via the draft with a first-round pick.

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Williams is expected to solve the century-long problem in Chicago, though Bears fans have heard that narrative since before ground broke in Houston in 2002. Stroud said Williams is a playmaker who excels at extending plays and “making all the cool throws.”

Those types of plays make the highlight reel Sunday evening on the news. They don’t always lead to wins.

“You don’t gotta be a superhero, you don’t gotta try to make all the plays,” Stroud said. “Sometimes the boring plays are good.”