Tag: Texans vs. Jets

Are the Texans winners or losers from the Khalil Davis trade?

Here’s how Texans Wire grades the Khalil Davis trade with the 49ers for a 2026 Day 3 pick.

Khalil Davis might have been out the door with the return of Houston Texans defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. 

Instead of letting him walk, Houston picked up something in return. 

The Texans closed Tuesday’s deadline by trading the fourth-year defensive tackle to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. Houston will now have a roster spot waiting for Edwards when he returns from his four-game suspension next week. 

The former Nebraska star joined Houston in 2023 and impressed, recording a career-high 32 tackles with six quarterback hits and two sacks while helping the Texans secure their first playoff berth in four seasons.

This season, Davis has recorded two tackles and one sack on 172 defensive snaps for 32 percent of the total defensive playing time.

Here’s how Texans Wire grades out the trade for both sides.  

Texans grade

Houston felt Davis provided the most value on the defensive line among depth pieces and figured it could survive by moving him. A 2026 seventh-round pick might seem low, but it could factor into a later deal for a more prominent name on the trade market.

Davis, who was in a contract year, could have left in free agency, leaving Houston without a compensatory pick in the 2025 draft. Instead, the Texans gain a future draft asset for a player who could be replaced with the return of Edwards. 

For now, the Texans can lean on a combination of Tim Settle and Dencio Autry’s opposite Foley Fatukasi. Autry, who recorded two sacks in Thursday’s loss against the New York Jets, can kick inside at defensive tackle on pass-rushing sets on third down. 

Could the Texans have gotten more? Perhaps, but it’s something. If Kurt Hinish was on the chopping block, then maybe fans could argue, but at least the Texans are adding draft depth over football depth.

Grade: B

49ers grade

Davis should provide depth behind former Texans starter Maliek Collins and veteran Jordan Elliott. The 49ers previously lost Javon Hargrave to a triceps injury that will likely end his season, so Davis should see an expanded role. 

He’ll have an understanding of the defense since it’s a similar formation that derives in Houston. The 49ers also kept all their 2025 draft picks, so consider that a win. 

Grade: B+

Texans trade DL to NFC West contender for 2026 draft pick

The Houston Texans have made a trade, but they are sending a player away rather than adding a piece to their offensive line.

Khalil Davis is reuniting with Maliek Collins out west.

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Houston Texans are trading defensive tackle Khalil Davis to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for draft compensation. Houston likely plans on using his roster spot to activate a player currently on the injured reserve.

Davis, a former standout for the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL, was the final trade of the 2024 NFL deadline.

Trade details

The 49ers will receive Davis for depth purposes in their run to make the NFC playoffs.

The Texans will receive a 2026 seventh-round draft pick.

Khalil Davis stats

The former Nebraska star joined Houston in 2023 and impressed, recording a career-high 32 tackles with six quarterback hits and two sacks while helping the Texans secure their first playoff berth in four seasons.

In eight games, Davis recorded two tackles and one sack on 172 defensive snaps for 32 percent of the total defensive playing time.

Texans DL depth chart

While the Texans could reinstate veteran defensive end Jerry Hughes from the injured reserve, they also could wait a week to bring back Mario Edwards Jr., who currently is serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy.

Edwards, who had been Houston’s top defensive tackle, will be eligible to return following Week 10’s showdown against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.

The Davis trade was the only move made by Huston by the deadline. For years, the Texans have never been buyers or sellers at the deadline, often making more of their prominent moves in the offseason.

“That’s something we do constantly throughout the year,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. “So, there isn’t just a mad rush now at the trade deadline for us to change our approach and how we go about managing our roster. Our roster management doesn’t change. We’re always looking to upgrade.”

Here’s the remaining depth chart following Davis’ departure:

  • Foley Fatukaski
  • Tim Settle Jr.
  • Mario Edwards Jr. (suspended through Week 10) 
  • Kurt Hinish
  • Denico Atury (also plays defensive end)

Expect a quiet NFL trade deadline from Texans on Tuesday. Here’s why

The Houston Texans won’t be active before the 3 p.m. trade deadline on Tuesday afternoon.

Yes, the Houston Texans need to elevate their offensive line.

Yes, the AFC South leaders could use another target for C.J. Stroud in the passing game.

Yes, the favorites to clinch another playoff spot would benefit from more efficient safety play down the stretch with matchups against the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.

But no, don’t expect the Texans to be aggressive buyers like other teams before Tuesday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline. Perhaps they’ll add in a piece or two depth-wise, but the top names on the market aren’t likely to land at NRG Stadium on Wednesday morning.

“We’re always looking to add to our team, add to our depth. That’s something we do constantly throughout the year,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.

Five AFC contenders have added receivers leading into Week 10. The New York Jets reunited Davante Adams with Aaron Rodgers in a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Hours later, Amari Cooper was sent from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills.

The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs made deals with underwhelming teams like Carolina and Tennessee to land weapons in Dionate Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins, respectively.

Most recently, the Steelers gave George Pickens a running mate by landing former Jets No. 3 target Mike Williams to serve as the No. 2.

Houston, who rarely makes moves at the deadline, technically was the first contender to trade for a proven weapon, though it came before the draft with the acquisition of Stefon Diggs. It would remain a moot point if the four-time Pro Bowl receiver didn’t suffer a torn ACL in Week 8’s win over the Colts.

The Washington Commanders have struck gold by trading for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints. Houston couldn’t afford to make that move even if cornerback was a need.

No, really, the Texans couldn’t afford Lattimore’s contract, given their current cap space. And to land any player on a substantial deal, they would need to restructure the contracts of players like offensive tackles Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard.

That’s probably not ideal since that would require them to shift salaries beyond the current contracts, meaning another extension.
Do the Texans want to extend Howard beyond his deal in 2026?
What about Tunsil through 2025?

Sure, Houston could offer a higher-value pick for compensation of the previous team paying off a player’s salary, but is the player a rental? The Texans are in win-now mode but still would benefit from keeping draft picks.

A team would also be entering a full-stage rebuild where it would take on the dead cap space for higher draft picks. Outside of perhaps Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, is there a player worth giving up a second-round pick for?

If Houston adds a player, look for it to be a backup from a struggling team that needs a fresh start. Chicago’s Nate Davis might be the Texans’ best option for an offensive lineman, especially given that the Bears might be willing to eat most of his $8 million salary for the rest of the season.

Outside of him, it should be a quiet day. Houston swung to build its roster in the offseason by adding Danielle Hunter, Azeez Al-Shaair, Joe Mixon, Denico Autry and Diggs. That might be enough for Nick Caserio.

“There isn’t just a mad rush now at the trade deadline for us to change our approach and how we go about managing our roster,” Ryans said.

The Texans’ practice facility will be loud as they prep for their showdown with the Lions on Sunday Night Football.

The phone lines will be quiet until after 3 p.m.

It’s always been that way. It won’t change because of the times.

Texans provide update on DE Will Anderson Jr.

The Houston Texans could be without their leading sack artist entering Week 10’s matchup at NRG Stadium.

The Houston Texans are in wait-and-see mode with defensive end Will Anderson Jr. entering Sunday night’s matchup against the Detroit Lions.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said the second-year defensive end would be “evaluated closely” throughout practice to determine his status for the matchup against the NFC North favorites.

“We’re still evaluating Will,” Ryans said Monday. “We’ll see how he progresses throughout the week.”

Anderson, October’s AFC Defensive Player of the Month, left during halftime in Thursday night’s loss against the New York Jets with an ankle injury. When trying to tackle running back Breece Hall, linebacker Neville Hewitt landed on Anderson’s left ankle.

While Anderson tried to return to the game — and did partially during the second quarter with the ankle heavily tapped —he was ruled out before the start of the third quarter. Houston’s defense allowed three touchdown passes to Aaron Rodgers en route to an 8-point victory.

Houston’s sack leader must return if it plans on slowing down the Lions’ offensive line. Detriot, which secured a 10-point victory on the road at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers, has allowed 18 sacks through eight games.

The Lions have allowed the league’s fifth-fewest pressures (85) this season.

“They have a lot of good players, a lot of good young players that are exhibiting that mindset and that culture,” Ryans said. “It is a really good team coming in here this week and we are very excited about the matchup.“ 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. 

Texans-Jets Week 9: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

Here’s the snap count total from the Houston Texans’ 21-13 loss against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

The first is the worst, the second is the best and the third better be elite.

That’s how the Houston Texans must feel following their underwhelming performance in a 21-13 loss against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football.

With three consecutive prime-time games, Houston must improve and use a trip to MetLife Stadium as “a wake-up call” before the Detroit Lions arrive at NRG Stadium next Sunday.

“To come out here on a prime-time game and get embarrassed, that is never fun,” quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “We have to be better in a lot of areas, and it starts with me. There’s plays I got to make, throws I got to make. I point the finger at me and realize I got to be better as a football player. If we want to win, this is not the recipe for it. We got to learn how to dominate.”

Stroud completed a career-worst 37% of his passes for 191 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Tank Dell delivered on offense with his first 100-yard outing of the season, but the passing attack was passive at best.

Houston (6-3) rushed for 187 yards, including 106 from running back Joe Mixon. The former Pro Bowler posted his fifth 100-yard rushing game and scored on a 4-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

It’s the third time that Houston has gone over 180 yards on the ground in 2024.

 

Offensive snaps: 79
Defensive snaps: 58
Special teams snaps: 13

Dell, who totaled 126 yards on six catches, played in 58 snaps. Xavier Hutchinson led all playmakers with 59 snaps. Kenyon Green left midway through the second quarter, playing only 28% of the snaps.

Defensively, Calen Bullock totaled his three games with 100% of reps. Both Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr. totaled 58 snaps in the secondary. Jalen Pitre played 83% of the snaps. Linebacker Neville Hewitt played in 86%.

The Texans return home next week to face off against the NFC favorites. They should have back Nico Collins, who’s missed the previous four games while on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

Texans RB Joe Mixon makes history in loss to Jets on primetime

Houston Texans star Joe Mixon joined an elite group of tailbacks Sunday with his outing against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football.

In terrible losses, one must celebrate the little victories.

The Houston Texans can rejoice knowing that Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon was worth trading for this offseason after missing out on several high-profile options in free agency.

They can rest easy knowing that locking him up on a three-year, $27 million back in March was wise. That asking price would be astronomical if the two sides waited to negotiate midseason.

Mixon surpassed 100 yards for the fifth time this season in a 21-13 loss against the New York Jets, joining Jim Brown (1958), O.J. Simpson (1975), Emmitt Smith (1995) and DeMarco Murray (2014) as the only players in NFL history to record 100 yards and a touchdown in five of the first six games of the season.

The 2021 Pro Bowler finished with 108 yards on 24 carries and scored a 3-yard touchdown in the second quarter to give Houston a lead entering halftime.

“Joe has been great every game for us. I mean, every game Joe has touched the ball, he’s gotten over 100 yards and also Joe is going to find it, no matter how well it’s blocked or how not so well it’s blocked, Joe’s going to find his yards,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Finds a way to get in the end zone. Joe’s relentless. He has that sense of urgency. We just need everybody else around him to play the same way.”

Mixon has a case for being a top-three runner in the league at the halfway point of the regular season. He’s only hit under the triple-digit marker once when healthy, which might have changed in Week 2 if the former Bengals star hadn’t left in the third quarter with an ankle injury that sidelined him for three games.

While he’s only played six games, Mixon enters the weekend top-five in rushing with 609 yards. His six touchdowns rank sixth-most among runners and he’s only four scores from the league lead.

Consistency has been Mixon’s best attribute this season. Even with a 50-yard outing against the Chicago Bears, he ranks third among runners in rushing yards per game (101.0) and fifth in explosive runs.

The Texans will need Mixon to continue that consistency when they return home to face off against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football next week.

Jets WR Garrett Wilson’s 1-handed grab vs. Texans might be catch of the year

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson might have just made the catch of the year and the Houston Texans are on the wrong side of history.

Remember when Odell Beckham Jr. made one of the greatest catches in NFL history back in 2014 at MetLife Stadium against a Texas-based team?

Garrett Wilson did the exact same thing nearly a decade later against the Houston Texans.

Early in the fourth quarter and down by three, New York Jets quarterback Arron Rodgers heaved a pass on third-and-19 to the back of the end zone. Wilson, who already caught a touchdown pass earlier in the second half, just wasn’t content with securing one score on the evening.

With rookie Kamari Lassiter in coverage, Wilson went airborne, using the young cornerback’s body as leverage to haul in a one-handed grab for the touchdown reception. At first, it looked like Wilson was out of bounds, but after further review, it was clear his shin was down just inside the end zone.

Here’s the play below:

Sitting at 2-6, New York needs a win if it plans on making a run toward the AFC postseason. Houston could secure its best start if they respond on the ensuing drive.

As for Wilson, he’ll make history for one of the greatest catches in NFL history. Beckham walked for Wilson to run and the third-year defender is sprinting.

Houston returns to NRG Stadium next Sunday evening against the Detroit Lions.

Will Anderson Jr. injury update: Texans DE leaves during Jets game

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. suffered an ankle injury in the first half against the New York Jets.

The Houston Texans might be without their star defensive player for the remainder of Thursday’s game against New York Jets on Halloween. Hopefully, the injury won’t carry over to next Week’s showdown against the Detroit Lions.

Will Anderson Jr.’s night could be over depending on the severity of the injury suffered in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium.

Here’s what happened and his status.

Will Anderson Jr. injury update

Anderson, who was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month earlier Thursday afternoon, was rolled up on during the first quarter on a run by Jets star Breece Hall. He was down on the ground after suffering an injury and needed help from the medical staff.

Anderson began to work drills after leaving the blue medical tent and got his left ankle taped up before returning to the field for several plays. He was limited during the second quarter, only seeing action on pass-rushing downs against Aaron Rodgers.

After halftime, the Amazon Prime Video broadcast announced that Anderson was questionable to return with an ankle injury.

Will Will Anderson Jr. return for Thursday Night Football?

The Texans have listed Anderson as questionable for the remainder of Thursday’s game. The former All-American was replaced by a rotation of Denico Autry and Derek Barnett, who should hold their own in place of the former No. 3 overall pick.

Before his injury, Anderson had a tackle for loss against Hall on the opening drive.

Will Anderson Jr. stats

One of the rising stars off the edge entering his second season, Anderson had totaled 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss entering Thursday’s game. He currently leads the NFL in tackles for loss and ranks third in sacks, trailing only New York Jets second-year defensive end Will McDonald and New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

Texans DE depth chart

With Anderson out with an injury, here’s the rest of the defensive ends on the active roster:

Kenyon Green injury vs Jets: Latest news on Texans OL

Houston Texans offensive lineman Kenyon Green suffered an upper-body injury during the second quarter against the New York Jets.

(This story has been updated with more information)

The Houston Texans are down another offensive linemen entering the second quarter of Thursday’s showdown against the New York Jets.

If another injury occurs, Houston could be in serious trouble moving entering the second half. Kenyon Green’s night could be over after a rough third-down play that eventually led to a sack on C.J. Stroud.

Here’s what happened and his status.

Kenyon Green injury update

Green, a former first-round pick out of Texas A&M in 2022, suffered what appeared to be an arm injury on a third-down sack allowed while going up against defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

The medical staff needed to come out and help Green off the turf. He headed to the locker room for further evaluation and testing on his upper body. Veteran Kendrick Green filled in at left guard next to Laremy Tunsil on the ensuing drive.

Will Kenyon Green return for Thursday Night Football?

The Texans have ruled out Kenyon Green for the remainder Thursday’s game with a shoulder injury.. The former All-American was filling in the starting spot after Jarrett Patterson left last week’s game against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter with a concussion.

If Kendrick Green struggles or gets hurt, Houston could move right tackle Tytus Howard inside to guard, thus leading to rookie Blake Fisher take over at right tackle.

Kenyon Green stats

Kenyon Green has started all nine games at left guard for the Texans this season after missing the entire 2023 season with a shoulder injury.

Texans OL depth chart

Kendrick Green and Nick Broeker the only remaining interior offensive lineman left available for Houston on Thursday night with Patterson still in concussion protocol.

Report: Texans exploring WR trade market after Stefon Diggs injury

The Houston Texans might be targeting a veteran receiver to replace Stefon Diggs before next week’s trade deadline.

Could the Houston Texans add another receiver before the NFL trade deadline now that Stefon Diggs is out for the year?

According to one report, it’s not off the table.

In a recent article from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, a few names to watch as Texans trade targets include New York Giants’ Darius Slayton, New England Patriots Kendrick Bourne and Las Vegas Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers.

Meyers, who was in New England while general manager Nick Caserio worked for the player personnel, might be a longshot to acquire since the Raiders already parted ways with Davante Adams earlier this month.

Diggs, who suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts, was expected to be the quality No. 2 option opposite Nico Collins for C.J. Stroud and the passing game. In eight outings, the two-time All-Pro ranked seventh in the NFL in catches (47) this season and was second on the Texans in receiving yards (496).

“He’s been such an important part to our team and everything that he brought, not only on the field, but off the field. The energy, the leader, the way he worked every single day,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Have to pick up the slack. A lot of guys have to step up and pick up the slack. Definitely praying for him.”

Adding one of the targets might be affordable, especially given their current contract situations. Slayton, who’s in the final year of his current contract, is coming off an impressive 108-yard performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night and has been a serviceable No. 2 option behind rookie Malik Nabers.

The veteran could be a welcomed vertical option in the passing game opposite Collins and second-year receiver Tank Dell. Through eight games, Slayton is averaging 52.5 receiving yards per game.

Houston might also be willing to remain idle if John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson or Robert Woods can produce during Thursday’s game against the New York Jets. With a win, the Texans would take sole control of second place in the AFC and remain a game behind the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT.