Tag: Texans injuries

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

Will Derek Stingley Jr. play on Monday Night Football?: Update on Texans CB

Derek Stingley Jr. is currently dealing with a hip injury following Week 10’s loss against the Detroit Lions.

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 suffered a concussion during the third quarter of Week 10’s loss against the Detroit Lions and remains in the league’s protocol.

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’ star defender heading into their fourth primetime game.

Derek Stingley Jr. injury update

Stingley, who hasn’t missed a game in Year 3, did not practice during Thursday’s open session. He was listed with a hip injury on the team’s report and now enters the week as questionable.

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 this week. Stingley’s status on Friday might determine if he plays on Monday night at AT&T Stadium.

How long will Derek Stingley be out? 

According to KRPC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Stingley is not dealing with anything serious and is expected to play against the Cowboys. Even if he’s limited in practice this week, he likely will return for Saturday’s walkthrough before the team rules him one way or another.

If Stingley were to miss Monday’s game, the status for a Nov. 24 matchup against the Tennessee Titans becomes questionable. Houston would only have two full days of practice before having to release the final injury report on Friday.

Derek Stingley stats
Stingley, the former No. 3 overall pick out of LSU, has been one of the league’s top corners in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, he currently has a 66.8 overall grade and a 65.8 coverage grade.
In 10 games, Stingley has 10 pass deflections and one interception.
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 when the second-round pick was dealing with a shoulder injury.

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

Texans update final injury report with key defensive player

Azeez Al-Shaair could miss Sunday’s game for the Houston Texans due to an illness.

The Houston Texans are already down starting linebacker Christian Harris for Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

They now could be without their leader up the middle in Azeez Al-Shaair.

The middle linebacker was added to Saturday’s updated injury report with an undisclosed illness and is listed as questionable. He’ll be a game-time decision.

Defensive tackle Kurt Hinish, who was activated off injured reserve, was ruled out.

If Al-Shaair can’t go, the Texans will lean on starting linebacker Henry To’oTo’o and perhaps a combination of Neville Hewitt and Del’Shawn Phillips. Jake Hansen, a special teams standout, is dealing with a back injury. He’s listed as questionable.

Al-Shaair has started every game since signing a three-year deal this offseason and ranks second in tackles with 29. He also has three tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and one sack.

The Texans activated defensive end Dylan Horton from the reserve/non-football illness list after 10 months following his diagnosis with Stage 4 Hodgkins lymphoma. Horton was placed on the NFI list in December after being diagnosed but announced in in March that he was in remission.

A 2023 fourth-round pick out of TCU, Horton played in 10 games for the Texans last season and finished with 13 tackles and a fumble recovery.

In a corresponding move, the Texans placed defensive end Jerry Hughes, who’s been dealing with a hip injury, on IR.

“For Dylan to be back after everything he has gone through, battling cancer, then to see him back on the field almost an entire year of missing football,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “The way he handled it and the mindset at which he handled it, he always still attacked it with a smile, he attacked it with a great attitude every single day.”

With Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon out with an ankle injury, Houston elevated J.J. Taylor from the practice squad to the 53-man roster for the second consecutive week.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans reveal final injury report before Week 5 showdown vs. Bills

Here’s the final injury report for Sunday’s showdown between the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills

The Houston Texans won’t be at full speed on offense Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, but at least one key target for C.J. Stroud will return to the huddle.

Receiver Tank Dell is expected to play against the 3-1 Bills after clearing Friday’s injury report. The second-year receiver suffered a chest injury in Week 3’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings and didn’t play in Sunday’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and rookie tackle Blake Fisher also were full participants in practice, meaning they’ll suit up in what could be a battle for second place among AFC contenders in 2024.

The addition of Dell should benefit Houston’s passing game. Despite being limited in the first two matchups, Dell caught a season-high five passes for 62 yards against the Vikings.

Everyone, including Buffalo, knows how lethal Dell’s speed is in space after a breakout rookie season. In 12 games, the third-round pick out of Houston totaled 47 catches for 709 yards and seven touchdowns.

Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon is out for the third consecutive game with an ankle injury, according to the injury report. Once again, Mxion did not run drills during Friday’s drills.

Mixon, who broke out Week 1’s win over the Colts, has barely practiced since being rolled upon in Week 2’s victory over the Bears. He returned to practice last week for the team’s walkthrough but was later ruled out early Sunday morning.

Fellow running back Dameon Pierce returned to the practice after dealing with a hamstring injury, but his status is unknown. He’s yet to take reps, meaning even if he was cleared, Houston would probably have him serve as a rotational back at best.

The Texans turn back to a combination of Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale as the lead runners on Sunday. Both scored touchdowns with Mixon sidelined, but each came on passes from C.J. Stroud.

Akers, a former second-round pick, had the best performance in a Texans’ uniform last week after rushing for 53 yards on 13 carries.

Defensive end  Jerry Hughes (hip) and Derek Barnett (shoulder) were also ruled out for Sunday’s contest, meaning the Texans could elevate either Kurt Hinish or Dylan Horton to the active roster. Both were cleared to return to practice earlier this week after being taken off the injured list.

Right tackle Tytus Howard also missed Friday’s walkthrough. He appeared on the injury report with a hamstring issue. Should be miss Sunday’s game, the Texans likely turn to Fisher, a natural right tackle who saw reps last week at left tackle after Tunsil left the game in the second quarter.

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

Texans RB Joe Mixon ruled out for Vikings game

Joe Mixon will not travel to Minneapolis with the Houston Texans to take on the Minnesota Vikings.

Joe Mixon’s status for Sunday’s game has officially been revealed.

According to the Houston Texans‘ public relations staff, Mixon will not travel to Minnesota with the team on Saturday to face the Vikings in Week 3. Initially, Mixon was ruled doubtful with an ankle injury but instead will stay back to rehabilitate.

Running back J.J. Taylor was from the practice squad to the active roster in place of Mixon. Houston also elevated linebacker and special teams standout Zeke Turner to bolster kick coverage in place of Dameon Pierce, who was also ruled out due to a hamstring issue.

https://twitter.com/TexansPR/status/1837558895147209119

Traded by the Bengals this offseason to Houston, Mixon is expected to be the bell cow runner when healthy. Over his first two weeks, the 2021 Pro Bowl has rushed for 189 yards on 39 carries and a touchdown in two games while averaging 4.5 yards per attempt.

He won AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 1 after rushing for 159 yards on 30 carries and a touchdown against the Colts. In Week 2’s win over the Bears, Mixon finished with 50 total yards.

Houston now turns to Cam Akers to serve as the top rushing option in the battle between the two undefeated rosters. Akers, a former second-round pick out of Florida State, took over for Mixon in the fourth quarter. He rushed for 32 yards on seven carries, but also had a fumble.

As one of the top preseason stars, Akers proved to be a valuable asset for Houston’s ground game in August. Injuries have derailed his promising career. In 2021, he suffered an Achilles tear as a member of the Rams.

After being traded to Minnesota last season, he suffered a second Achilles tear in early November.

Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said he remained confident in Akers, given his knowledge of the offensive personnel from his time in Los Angeles and Minnesota.

https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1837561724473336056

“He’s been running — ran zone scheme he came from — he did the same thing in Minnesota,” Slowik said Thursday. “He’s really good at reading that, we call it riding the wave, finding the right hole to hit. He always plays under control. When he sees it, he hits it. He finishes physical. And he has really good contact balance and I’d say those are the things that jump out with Cam.”

Houston is looking to go 3-0 for the first time since 2012. Kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans vs. Vikings, Week 3 injury report: Friday

Houston Texans likely will turn to Cam Akers on Sunday as the lead running back after Joe Mixon missed Friday’s practice.

The Houston Texans are turning to Cam Akers come Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Running back Joe Mixon missed practice for the third consecutive day Friday and is listed as doubtful on the latest injury report. He’s still recovering from an ankle injury after being illegally tackled in Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bears.

The Texans plan to send the footage of the hip-drop tackle to the league office for further review. Mixon, who finished with 50 yards of offense, tweeted his frustrations following the game.

Acquired this offseason from Cincinnati, Mixon is the hopeful long-term running back next to C.J. Stroud after signing a three-year, $27 million extension this offseason. He rushed for 159 yards on 30 carries in Week 1’s win over Colts.

Through two games, Mixon has 228 total yards and a touchdown on 39 carries and six catches.

Fellow running back Dameon Pierce is also out this week because of a hamstring injury. If Mixon does play, Akers likely takes over as the top back on the road.

Last week following Mixon’s exit, Akers became the focal runner. He finished with 32 yards on seven carries, but also had a fumble inside the red zone.

Alibiet an underwhelming Texans’ debut, Akers impressed in the preseason. He led the team in rushing and yards per attempt during August and scored a pair of touchdowns.

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik mentioned how Akers’ knowledge of his offense comes from his time in Los Angeles and Minnesota.

“He’s really good at reading that, we call it riding the wave, finding the right hole to hit,” Slowik said Thursday. “He always plays under control. When he sees it, he hits it. He finishes physical. And he has really good contact balance and I’d say those are the things that jump out with Cam.”

Both centers Juice Scruggs (groin) and Jarrett Patterson (calf) are listed as questionable. Should neither be clear, Houston likely would elevate Scott Quessenberry from the practice squad.

The Texans are trying to reach 3-0 for the first time since 2012. Kickoff is set for noon CT.

Texans still ‘holding out hope’ RB Joe Mixon will play vs. Vikings

The Houston Texans are still holding out hope that Joe Mixon will suit up for Week 3’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Entering Friday’s practice, the Houston Texans still have optimism that Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon will play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

Mixon hasn’t practiced either day during the open media session, but DeMeco Ryans still isn’t ready to call it one way.

“We’ll take it day by day with Joe and his injury and see where he ends up at the end of the week,” Ryans said Wednesday. “Still holding out hope that he can make it.”

Mixon, who set the tone on the ground with a 159-yard outing in Week 1’s win over the Colts, left during the third quarter with an ankle injury in Sunday’s matchup against the Bears. While he managed to return, he was limited to one carry for one yard in the fourth quarter.

Based on the hit made by Chicago’s T.J. Edwards, it appeared that Mixon was brought down by an illegal hip-drop tackle that should have led to a 15-yard penalty. Officials ruled it a clean hit, though Houston plans to send the footage to the league office for further review.

“When the defender unweights himself and then he puts all of his weight on the runner’s legs, you see why they want to get the hip-drop tackle out of the game,” Ryans said Monday. “Because it causes a lot of injuries when it happens. The hip-drop tackle doesn’t happen much, but the percentage of injury when it does happen is very high and you saw that there with Joe and his ankle. The defender landed on his ankle.”

Mixon, who finished with 50 total yards, did not speak to reporters after Sunday’s game but called out the NFL on social media for not enforcing the rule.

“The NFL and NFLPA made it a rule and an emphasis for a reason,” Mixon wrote on X. “Time to put your money where your mouth is.”

If Mixon can’t go, Houston could be thin at running back. Secondary runner Dameon Pierce is still dealing with a hamstring injury and hasn’t practiced all week, meaning if both are out, Cam Akers would likely take command of the top back.

Akers played for Minnesota last season after being traded by the Los Angeles Rams. In six games, he rushed for 138 yards before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in early November.

“Obviously, I’ve got history there, but it’s just another game,” Akers said when asked if this was a revenge game.

Since arriving in Houston, he’s been one of the major standouts. Akers led all runners in yards during the preseason and caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Case Keenum in the Hall of Fame game.

After Mixon left Sunday’s contest, Akers became the focal runner, totaling 32 yards on seven carries. He also lost a fumble at the goal line, which is something he told reporters was unacceptable.

Kickoff from U.S. Bank Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans vs. Vikings, Week 3 injury report: Thursday

The Houston Texans were limited at running back on Thursday afternoon.

For the second consecutive day, the Houston Texans were limited at running back.

The good news? No one else missed practice at full capacity.

Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) did not partake in drills during Thursday’s practice in preparation for Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Mixon left early in Sunday’s 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears with an ankle injury due to what seemed to be a hip-drop tackle. The Texans plan to send film of the play, which was not ruled a penalty during Sunday night’s game, to the NFL office for review.

Mixon, who in Week 1 rushed for 159 yards and led the league in yards per attempt, tweeted his frustration for the missed call.

“The NFL and NFLPA made it a rule and an emphasis for a reason,” Mixon posted on X after the game. “Time to put your money where your mouth is.”

Receiver Nico Collins (hip/foot),  center Juice Scruggs (groin), defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (shoulder), cornerback Kris Boyd (hip),  offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson (calf), linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (shin), and safety M.J. Stewart (knee) were limited.

Tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) and cornerback Kamari Lassiter (elbow) were full participants in drills. 

Tight end Brevin Jordan was also placed on the injured reserve Wednesday after suffering a torn ACL during Sunday’s game. Jordan, who is set to be a free agent after the 2024 season, will miss the rest of the regular season. 

Jordan only had two catches for 7 yards in two games, but grew as one of the top secondary tight ends in the league. Last season, he caught a 76-yard touchdown in the playoff win over the Browns. 

He also had become an essential piece to the Texans’ running game, having improved his blocking this past offseason.

“It’s really heartbreaking losing Brevin,” Texnas coach Ryans said Wednesday. “He was on his way to a breakout year. I was really excited with where he was heading. Cade (Stover), Dalton Schultz will have to step up to fill that role.”

For Minnesota, receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) and rookie outside linebacker Dallas Turner (knee) did not practice. All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson was limited in practice after suffering a quad injury in Sunday’s 23-17 win over the 49ers.

Texans vs. Bears, Week 1 injury report: Wednesday

Dalton Schultz did not practice during Wednesday’s preparation to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football.

The Houston Texans still remain for the most part healthy entering Sunday Night Football’s showdown against the Chicago Bears, though are missing a key weapon on offense.

Tight end Dalton Schultz did not workout during Wednesday’s practice due to an ankle injury. Defensive back M.J. Stewart, who missed last week’s 29-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts due to a knee injury, also did not participate.

Schultz, who inked a three-year, $36 million extension this offseason, caught three passes for 16 yards and two first downs. If he’s inactive, the Texans likely would turn to Brevin Jordan and rookie Cade Stover.

For Chicago, there were a handful of players on the injury list, including most notably wide receivers Rome Odunze (knee) and Keenan Allen (heel). Odunze suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain and is currently listed as day-to-day.

Allen, who was traded this offseason to Chicago from the Los Angeles Rams, reaggravated a heel injury in Sunday’s win over the Tennessee Titans. It was reported that Wednesday was a planned rest day.

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.

Defensive end DeMarcus Walker didn’t practice with a foot injury while offensive linemen Ryan Bates (shoulder/elbow) and Kiran Amegadjie (quad) were limited.

Defensive tackle Zacch Pickens, who didn’t play in Week 1 due to a groin injury, returned to practice for Chicago but in limited fashion.

Houston Texans

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
TE Dalton Schultz Ankle DNP
DB M.J. Stewart Knee DNP

 

Chicago Bears

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

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

Texans QB C.J. Stroud returns to practice

C.J. Stroud was back at Texans practice Wednesday, and he’s getting closer to clearing concussion protocol ahead of Sunday’s game vs Titans.

Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is back.

Well, not all the way back, as he is still waiting to be cleared through the concussion protocol, but he was back on the practice field with his teammates, which is a welcomed sight for the team and head coach DeMeco Ryans.

“Yeah, it’s encouraging to have C.J. back out at practice today,” Ryans said. “It was encouraging to see him. I think it just lifts everybody’s spirits to see him back doing well and still progressing in the right direction. So, happy about that.”

Stroud has missed the last two games after he was removed from the New York Jets game on Dec. 10, when he received a crushing blow from Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams that caused his head to hit the turf violently. The NFL has five phases of the concussion protocol, and Stroud is in phase four, practicing in a limited capacity.

What the team and the NFL need to see before he can move to phase five and be cleared to play in Sunday’s crucial matchup against the Tennessee Titans, which has substantial playoff-seeding ramifications, is for Stroud to practice without any symptoms of the concussion. If he can achieve that, he would have to visit an independent neurologist and team doctor for final approval by the league.

“You’re just looking for efficiency,” Ryans answered when asked about what he wants to see from Stroud if he is healthy enough to play on Sunday. “Just being able to command the huddle and being efficient with the plays that we’re asking him [C.J. Stroud] to run – that’s what you’re looking for.”

“Just looking for him to be comfortable in the moment. The main thing is that you want to keep the defenders off of him as much as possible, so we don’t have another hit or anything like that to make him go backward. We just have to make sure we’re protecting him, make sure we’re playing efficiently, and just make sure we’re pressing forward and moving the football.”

During the media portion of practice, Stroud could be seen throwing passes during individual drills to receivers as he shook off some of the rust of not playing a game since Dec. 10. If he is not cleared to play, the Texans will have a decision to make on who will start between backups Case Keenum, who has gotten the start the last two games finishing with a 1-1 record. Or Davis Mills, who looked very efficient in the 36-22 defeat against the Cleveland Browns last Sunday.