Tag: Texans vs. Dolphins

Texans receive worst-possible news on Jalen Pitre’s 2024 status

The Houston Texans will be without star defensive back Jalen Pitre for the rest of the 2024 season.

Jalen Pitre’s breakout season hit a road bump following Week 12’s loss against the Tennessee Titans.

Now, it’s reached its end.

According to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson, the Houston Texans’ third-year defensive back will undergo season-ending surgery on his shoulder. He’s expected to be placed on the injured reserve later this week but should make a full recovery before the start of the 2025 offseason workouts.

Pitre sought a second opinion on his chest injury after his initial diagnosis that he would be out for some time. The second opinion confirmed what the Texans had feared.

The muscle damage was worse than expected, leading to the option for surgery. Houston now must find a way to survive without one of its best defenders for the rest of the regular season.

After a sophomore in 2023, Pitre, 25, was having a resurgent season. He totaled 65 tackles, eight pass deflections, an interception and six tackles for loss through 12 games.

Pitre, a 2022 second-round pick out of Baylor, shifted back to his natural nickel position and impressed. Not only was he exceptional when asked to cover the opponent’s slot receiver, but the Texans loved to use him in the box to blitz.

“Being around the ball, causing interceptions, forcing fumbles, he’s just been a really active, a very instinctive player for us,” Ryans said then. “He’s been all over the field, and he’s made a lot of plays for us.

“We’re going to miss his instincts, miss his play-making ability. We’ve got to pick it up and we’ve got to go. Whoever steps in, has to hit the ground running.”

The Texans will lean heavily on safety Jimmie Ward as the new nickel defender. He’s stepped up over the past two weeks in place of Pitre while Eric Murray and Calen Bullock have been staples at safety.

The Texans (8-5) also will be without suspended starting linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for Sunday’s showdown against the Miami Dolphins (6-7). Al-Shaair, Houston’s defensive captain, is currently serving a three-game ban for his late hit against Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Dolphins vs. Texans injury report: Latest updates, news for Wednesday

Here’s the injury report from Wednesday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Miami Dolphins.

Here are the full injury reports ahead of the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins’ matchup at NRG Stadium in Week 15

Houston Texans (8-5)

Did not practice

  • DB Jalen Pitre (chest)
  • OL Juice Scruggs (foot)
  • WR Robert Woods (personal)

Limited participation

  • DL Denico Autry (knee)
  • WR Nico Collins (rest day)
  • OL Kenyon Green (shoulder)
  • DL Foley Fatukasi (foot)
  • LB Christian Harris (calf)
  • OT Laremy Tunsil (rest)

Full practice

  • WR Xavier Hutchinson (shoulder)

Miami Dolphins (6-7)

Did not practice

  • OT Terron Armstead (knee)
  • WR Odell Beckham Jr. (personal)
  • DL Calais Campbell (rest)
  • WR Dee Eskridge (knee)
  • OT Kendall Lam (back)
  • DB Jordan Poyer (rest)

Limited participation

  • DL Bradley Chubb (knee)
  • WR Grant DuBose (shoulder)
  • LB Cameron Goode (knee)
  • WR Tyreek Hill (wrist)
  • FB Alec Ingold (ankle)
  • RB Raheem Mostert (hip)
  • WR Jaylen Waddle (hamstring)

Full practice

  • LS Blake Ferguson (non-football illness)
  • LB Anthony Walker Jr. (hamstring)

Texans have negative update on OL Juice Scruggs

The Houston Texans might be without Juice Scruggs for Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

The Houston Texans gained back former first-round offensive lineman Kenyon Green this past week following the bye, but another member of the trench play might be out for a while.

According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, second-year offensive lineman Juice Scruggs could miss multiple weeks after suffering a foot injury in Week 13’s victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans did mention the team could be without Scruggs for Sunday’s contest against the Miami Dolphins, but did not state he was officially out. Green, who started the first four games at left guard, could return to the lineup for the first time since Week 9 after being elevated off the injured reserve Monday.

Houston could move right tackle Tytus Howard inside the guard while kicking second-round pick Blake Fisher out to his natural right tackle spot. Houston could also start Kendrick Green, who filled in for Kenyon Green during the team’s loss against the New York Jets on Halloween.

A former two-time All-American, the third-year guard struggled mightily in pass protection, allowing the most quarterback pressures for a guard, and the third-most sacks.

He was better with run blocking, helping Joe Mixon pick up steam before following his return from an ankle injury.

“Getting Kenyon back is helpful,” Ryans said Monday. “We will see how those guys continue to progress throughout the week and see where they are and if they can help us this week or not.”

Linebacker Christian Harris was at practice at a limited capacity for the first time since training camp.

Kickoff against a surging Miami roster is scheduled for noon CT at NRG Stadium.

Texans bolster defensive line with All-SEC addition in latest mock draft

Walter Nolen could be the missing link for the Texans’ interior defensive line in 2025 opposite Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

Walter Nolen already looks great in Hotty Toddy Blue. Let’s see if the Steel Blue of the Houston Texans fits better at the professional level.

In the latest mock draft from Sports Illustrated, the Texans bolster their defensive line by adding the Ole Miss defensive lineman at pick No. 25. With a combination of speed and lower-body power, Nolen’s arrival would fortify the interior trench play for the AFC South favorites over four years.

Houston’s defense is statistically strong, but Nolen would elevate its interior defensive line. Nolen, who is 6’3″ and 305 pounds, is explosive and disruptive—he notched four sacks, eight tackles for loss and 24 hurries this season. A transfer from Texas A&M, Nolen is strong against the run, too. He posted the fifth-best run defense grade (91.9) among defenders with at least 100 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, and he’s tied for second in the FBS with 31 run stops. – SI’s Daniel Flick

Defensive tackle has been a need for Houston long-term since DeMeco Ryans returned home in 2023. Sheldon Rankins inked a one-year deal last offseason before cashing in with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023. Maliek Collins was traded to the San Francisco 49ers while the team settled for minimal deals built around Mario Edwards Jr. Tim Settle and Foley Fatukasi.

The Texans are built on the edge with Defensive Player of the Year candidates Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Adding depth up the middle that can bolster the run defense and add value as a secondary pass rusher makes too much sense for a defensive-led team.

That’s Nolen, an All-SEC defensive tackle who finished with career-highs in tackles for loss, sacks and pressures. He also graded out as the SEC’s top run defender by PFF and was the anchor of Ole Miss’ top-ranked run defense.

Houston looks to technically worsen its draft position by continuing its winning ways this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans can clinch playoff spot in Week 15 with one possible scenario

Here’s how the Houston Texans can clinch the AFC South division title in Week 15’s showdown against the Miami Dolphins.

Even though the Houston Texans won’t play an AFC South opponent, they can clinch the division before midnight on Week 15.

The pathway to the postseason is simple, but also partially out of Houston’s control.

As NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport pointed out, the Texans can secure one of the final five playoff spots in the AFC in front of the fans at NRG Stadium with a win over the Miami Dolphins.

That’s only one part of the equation. Houston also needs the Denver Broncos to defeat the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Stadium, thus moving the Colts’ record to two games below .500.

Even if the two teams were to finish with 9-8 records, the Texans swept Indianapolis during the regular season, thus giving them a division advantage.

If both teams won, Houston would simply need to defeat Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium to secure a 10-win season. Much like Week 15’s outlook, even if the Colts were to finish 10-7, they’d lose the head-to-head battle.

A Texans’ win also benefits the Pittsburgh Steelers, who would clinch a playoff berth with a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and losses from Indianapolis and Miami.

The Green Bay Packers can clinch a playoff spot if they beat the Seattle Seahawks, get a loss or tie from the Atlanta Falcons and get a tie between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Week 15.

The Minnesota Vikings can also punch their ticket to the postseason with a win over the Chicago Bears. The Eagles are already in playoffs but would secure the NFC East with a victory over Pittsburgh.

None of that matters to Houston for now. Just win against a red-hot Dolphins roster on the warpath to January football since Tua Tagovailoa’s return and wait for the rest to fall in line.

It’s not like the Texans must win to stay alive. According to the New York Times playoff simulator, Houston has a 96 percent chance of making the postseason and would improve their standing to over 99 percent with a win over the Seahawks.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

DeMeco Ryans provides positive update as LB Christian Harris returns to practice

Christian Harris might be back at practice, but will he play for the Houston Texans in Week 15’s showdown against the Miami Dolphins?

With the Houston Texans designating linebacker Christian Harris to return from the injured reserve, all eyes are set on his status for Sunday’s contest against the Miami Dolphins.

Harris, who suffered a calf injury during training camp, has been itching to return to the active roster. He hasn’t practiced with the team since training camp and has suffered several setbacks since early July.

Second-year coach DeMeco Ryans said that Harris is back practicing, but the team would evaluate his progression throughout the week before electing to officially add him back to the active roster.

“He looks like himself physically moving around,” Ryans said Monday. “He’s missed a lot of football. It’s just a matter of him getting back in and getting those mental reps. Nothing can help you with football except playing football.”

Harris’ return comes at an ideal time amid the suspension of teammate Azeez Al-Shaair. After the NFL denied his appeal on the hit against Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Week 12, Al-Shaair won’t be cleared to return until after Week 17’s Christmas matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

A breakout player under Ryans in 2023, Harris could be in line for an extensive new contract with stellar play to close out 2024. Last season, he finished second in tackles with 101 stops and secured the eventual game-sealing interception over the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round.

“Christian at 100%, 70%, 50%, he’s amazing,” linebacker Henry To’oTo’o said. “He’s a freak of nature. But he’s worked so hard to be the player he is now.”

The Texans have 21 days to decide whether Harris can play or not. If he can’t go, Ryans said the team has faith in special teams star Neville Hewitt, who’s filled in at both linebacker roles this season.

“When Neville had to step in for us, I thought he did a really nice job of just being where he’s supposed to be, communicated really well, executed his technique within a defense and he made some plays for us,” Ryans said.
To’oTo’o, who was also teammates with Harris at the University of Alabama, mentioned how the former third-round pick has worked hard to return to full speed before the season’s end.

Expectations are for him to help Houston return to the playoffs and go on another run behind a hopefully improved offensive performance.

“It’s been so long,” To’oTo’o said. “Just to see him day in and day out, he’s been head down, grinding to get back out there.”

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.