Tag: Texans vs. Bills

Texans to be without star rookie DB in Week 6

Kamari Lassiter won’t be suiting up this week for the Houston Texans.

The Houston Texans might feel content on offense, but they’ll be missing a vital member of the secondary Sunday afternoon.

Rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter is out for Houston’s showdown against the New England Patriots with a shoulder injury. Lassiter, the Texans’ second-round pick out of Georgia, has started every game this season opposite Derek Stingley Jr. in coverage.

Houston now must turn to either veteran special teams star Kris Boyd or Ka’Dar Hollmon for Sunday’s matchup. Hollman could be the favorite after the Texans signed him to the active roster earlier this week.

Lassiter has been a consistent defender opposite the former No. 3 overall pick, often drawing the No. 2 receiver for an opponent. He did allow his first touchdown last week when Bills rookie Keon Coleman broke free for a 49-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.

Through five games, Lassiter has an interception, three passes defended and 15 total tackles, including two tackles for loss.

The Texans will also be without veteran safety Jimmie Ward (groin) and wide receiver Robert Woods (foot).

With Ward out, this likely thrusts third-round pick Calen Bullock into a larger role Sunday. On offense, the Texans were already down one receiver in Nico Collins, who landed on the injured reserve earlier this week.

Kickoff from Gilette Stadium is scheduled for noon.

Texans vs. Patriots, Week 6 injury report: Wednesday

Here’s the injury report from Wednesday’s practice in preparation for the Houston Texans’ matchup against the New England Patriots.

Here are the full injury reports for the Houston Texans and New England Patriots ahead of their Week 6 matchup at Gillette Stadium:

Houston Texans (4-1)

Did not practice

  • DE Derek Barnett (shoulder)
  • OL Kenyon Green (knee)
  • LB Jake Hansen (back)
  • CB Kamari Lassiter (shoulder)
  • RB Joe Mixon (ankle)
  • DB Jimmie Ward (groin)
  • OT Laremy Tunsil (ankle)
  • OT Tytus Howard (hamstring)

Limited participation

  • WR Stefon Diggs (rest-non injury related)
  • LB Del’Shawn Phillips (hip)
  • RB Dameon Pierce (hamstring)

Full participant

  • DT Kurt Hinish (calf)

New England Patriots (1-4)

Did not practice

  • S Kyle Dugger (ankle)
  • RB Rhamondre Stevenson (foot)

Limited participation

  • WR Kendrick Bourne (knee)
  • DT Davon Godchaux (elbow)
  • CB Marcus Jones (groin)
  • C Nick Leverett (ankle)
  • T Vederian Lowe (knee)
  • WR K.J. Osborn (shoulder)
  • G Layden Robinson (ankle)
  • LB Sione Takitaki (knee)
  • CB Marco Wilson (knee)

Full participant

  • LB Anfernee Jennings (shoulder)
  • CB Jonathan Jones (shoulder)

Kickoff from Gillette Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans receive postive update on RB Dameon Pierce

Dameon Pierce might be back on the field for the Houston Texans for the first time since Week 1 this weekend.

The Houston Texans could be getting a piece of their ground game back in time for Sunday’s matchup against the New England Patriots.

Running back Dameon Pierce was a limited participant at practice Wednesday afternoon. This has been the first time in three weeks that Pierce has taken part in contact drills after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 1’s win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said that barring a setback, Pierce will play at Gillette Stadium when the Texans take on the 1-4 Patriots.

Pierce, who missed the previous four games, returned to practice last Friday but later was ruled out before Sunday’s inactive list was released to the public. He’s expected to be the No. 2 runner behind Pro Bowler Joe Mixon, but both have been sidelined for the past three weeks with lower-body extremities.

Pierce could potentially move into a vital role in Houston’s backfield this weekend if Mixon is unavailable versus the Patriots, though he also could split reps with Dare Ogunbowale and Cam Akers. After losing starting reps last season to Devin Singletary, Pierce has been limited on the ground.

In Week 1’s win over the Colts, Pierce finished with 16 yards off three carries. The Texans still believe there’s hope he can be an essential part of the offensive game plan.

Kickoff for Week 6 is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans receive unfortunate news surrounding WR Nico Collins

Nico Collins might not be good to go this Sunday when the Houston Texans take on the New England Patriots.

After further tests, Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins could be out longer than just a few days leading up to Week 6’s matchup against the New England Patriots.

At his annual Monday press conference, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Collins would be “week to week” after leaving early in Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills.

Ryans said Collins was “in good spirits” after the game, though there isn’t a set timetable given how hamstrings heal.

“He’s attacking his rehab the right way,” Ryans said. “Our staff will help him get back right when that right time is.”

Collins, who leads the NFL with 567 receiving yards, suffered the injury on his 67-yard touchdown catch from C.J. Stroud during the first quarter. He did not return after leaving the blue medical tent for further evaluation.

Stroud managed to throw for 331 yards while completing passes for Cam Akers, Dare Ogunbowale, Dalton Schultz, Tank Dell and new top weapon Stefon Diggs, but the scoring was limited. Houston only totaled nine points after Collins’ departure.

Even at 1-4, Houston can’t afford to overlook the Patriots, especially with it being a road matchup. Ryans said the team feels good about its depth, but losing Collins does come with concerns about the play design.

“Nico has been the best receiver in the NFL this year,” Ryans said. “So, do you replace him? No. Everybody just steps up and whatever role you’re asked to do, just step up and play your role the proper way.”

Dell and Diggs are the favorites to see expanded roles with Collins limited in practice. The latter is coming off a six-catch afternoon for a team-leading 82 yards.

https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1843374483496939811

Dell, who served as Houston’s secondary option in the passing game opposite Collins, caught four balls for 38 yards.

Houston also could expand the roles of Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie III and veteran Robert Woods, who secured exceptional field position last week on a 13-yard punt return to set up the Ka’imi Fairbairn game-winning field goal.

“Robert has been outstanding for us since the first day he stepped in here. I mean, he’s done everything that we’ve asked,” Ryans said. “Whatever role he’s in, Rob is a true leader in that regard. He shows up and works every single day, doesn’t say much, but he works.

“He’s a team-first player and that’s what everybody should aspire to be like. When you’re playing, especially here for us, you need that team-first mentality.”

Kickoff from Gillette Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Report: Texans WR Nico Collins could have short-term injury

Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins could be back sooner than some expect after leaving in the first half against the Buffalo Bills.

Nico Collins’ absence was felt by the Houston Texans’ offense during Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills, but it might not be for long.

According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Collins could be back next weekend when the Texans take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

Collins, who picked up 78 yards on yards on two catches, suffered a hamstring injury on a 67-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter with 1:34 remaining.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with Collins for a touchdown to put the Texans up 14-3. The fourth-year pass-catcher limped to the sidelines and went into the blue medical before heading to the locker room for further evaluation.

Entering Sunday’s game, Collins led the league with 489 yards off 30 catches. After the pair of receptions, his number went up to 567 yards.

Barring an injury, Collins is on pace for 128 catches for 2,078 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s been Stroud’s go-to guy through guy, as his volume of targets only continues to expand with each game.

In last week’s against over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Collins caught 12 passes for 151 yards and one touchdown performance on 15 targets to secure the 24-20 victory.

If Collins can’t go, Houston still has a 1-2 combination in Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, plus tight end Dalton Schultz. In his first game against his former team, Diggs finished with a team-leading six catches for 82 yards.

Dell, who missed last week’s game against the Jaguars, caught four balls for 38 yards.

Kickoff next week is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans receive negative update on DB Jimmie Ward

Houston Texans defensive back Jimmie Ward is out for the remainder of Sunday’s contest against the Buffalo Bills.

The Houston Texans must continue Sunday’s contest without Jimmie Ward.

Ward was ruled out entering the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills with a groin injury. Receiver Nico Collins and running back British Brooks were also ruled out due to injury.

On the game’s opening play. Ward made contact with Bills running back James Cook’s head and appeared to immediately go limp. He was checked out by trainers before walking off the field under his own pressure.

After being cleared for a concussion, Ward returned to the game. Last week, Ward was dealing with a groin injury and did not play in the Texans’ 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The rookie class is getting ample reps in what feels like a race to second place in the AFC standings. Kamari Lassiter is a full-time starter at cornerback, but Blake Fisher is starting in place of the injured Tytus Howard.

Third-round pick Calen Bullock will take over for the Ward opposite veteran Eric Murray for the rest of the afternoon.

The Texans (3-1) currently lead 20-10 over the Bills (3-1) entering the fourth quarter.

Texans receive injury update on WR Nico Collins

Nico Collins’ day could be over for the Houston Texans entering halftime against the Buffalo Bills.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Houston Texans might be without star receiver Nico Collins for the rest of Sunday’s contest.

Collins, who leads the NFL in receiving yards, is out for the remainder of Sunday’s game after suffering a hamstring injury in the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills.

Houston currently leads 17-3 after a 67-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Collins at the end of the first quarter.

When Collins crossed the pylon, he appeared to pull up at the end of the play. After returning to the sidelines, he immediately went over to the blue medical tent for further evaluation.

This isn’t as shocking as some would think since Collins missed practice last week due to a hamstring issue, though he suited up in Sunday’s 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars while expanding his career totals in receiving yards and receptions.

Entering Sunday, Collins was on pace for over 2,000 receiving yards and 110 catches. He led the league with 489 yards and was second in catches with 30.

If Collins can’t go, Houston could turn to the combination of Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. Stroud seems to be in rhythm, going 10-of-10 for 177 yards.

The Texans will receive the ball to begin the second half.

NFL analyst gives major praise to Texans QB C.J. Stroud entering Week 5

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud remains the talk of the NFL world entering Week 5’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

C.J. Stroud isn’t the next Patrick Mahomes, but the NFL analysts can’t stop gushing over his potential.

NBC Sports’ Chris Simms praised the second-year Houston Texans signal-caller following his 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday at NRG Stadium. Houston needed 59 minutes and 42 seconds to secure a victory thanks to a 1-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to running back Dare Ogunbowale.

“He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL,” Simms said during NBC’s Football Night in America broadcast. “And I’ll say this, too: I think he may be the best pocket-passing quarterback in all of football. He never misses a target.

“It doesn’t matter if you stop the Texans’ run game or not, because this guy at quarterback, with Nico Collins catching it on the other end, they’re almost unstoppable. C.J. Stroud I can not say enough good things about.”

Simms is right. The duo of Stroud and Collins has been a two-man wrecking crew keeping Houston alive at 3-1 through four weeks. In all three victories, Collins has finished with at least six catches for over 100 yards.

In the Week 3 loss against the Minnesota Vikings, Stroud tossed a pair of interceptions. Collins finished with just 86 receiving yards and only one pass over 20-plus yards downfield.

Stroud taking over games is far from new for Texans fans. Last season, he orchestrated multiple down-to-wire drives to secure the victory, including Week 9’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After securing the first postseason berth in four years en route to winning Offensive Rookie of the Year, Stroud has lofty goals and high expectations to met in 2024. The Texans look to be a contender in the AFC alongside Buffalo, Baltimore and Kansas City.

With the arrival of Stefon Diggs, Houston could be a sneaky and underrated dark horse to hoist up its first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history. The league will have a better understanding of where the Texans lie when they take on the Bills this Sunday at 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.

DeMeco Ryans provides update on Texans LB Christian Harris

The Texans will be without star linebacker Christian Harris for at least one more week.

Christian Harris might be eligible to come off the injured reserve, but the Houston Texans are playing it safe.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that Harris would remain on injured reserve and won’t return to start practicing this week.

Houston takes on the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium this Sunday to close out a two-game home series.

“He’s still on the road to recovery, Ryans said. “He’s doing well, on the right track. We’ll get him when we get him.”

A third-round pick of the University of Alabama, Harris was placed on the injured reserve after missing all of training camp with a calf injury. With his absence, the Texans have relied heavily on second-year standout Henry To’oTo’o.

Harris entered 2023 off the heels of a breakout sophomore campaign while helping the Texans secure their first playoff berth since 2019. He amassed a career-high 101 tackles last season and returned an interception for a touchdown in a playoff victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Kickoff against the reigning AFC East champions is scheduled for noon CT.