Tag: Texans vs. Lions

Will Kamari Lassiter play on Monday Night Football?: Update on Texans CB

Kamari Lassiter is still in the concussion protocol and has not been cleared to return entering Week 11’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

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 left during the third quarter of Week 10’s loss against the Detroit Lions and could be out on primetime.

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’ rookie defender heading into AT&T Stadium.

Kamari Lassiter injury update

Lassiter, who missed two games earlier in the season with a shoulder injury, left during Sunday’s game with a concussion. He did not practice during Thursday or Friday’s open session as he remains in protocol.

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. That changed to Friday.

Lassiter did however appear in Saturday’s practice. Much like Collins, the Texans could be getting him acclimated but choose to rest him and wait until Week 12’s showdown against the Tennessee Titans.

How long will Kamari Lassiter be out? 

Before Lassiter is allowed to return, he must clear the concussion protocol. Practicing Saturday is an indication he’s nearing the final stages, but it doesn’t mean he’s good to go.

The Texans have had two players miss practice during the week and still play the following Sunday. Defensive tackle Foley Fatukaski missed practice and returned for Friday’s walkthrough before appearing in Week 7 and Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers and Lions, respectively.

Tight end Dalton Schultz didn’t practice in Week 2 with an ankle injury, but managed to suit in a win over the Chicago Bears.

If Lassiter were to miss Monday’s game, the status for a Nov. 24 matchup against the  Titans becomes questionable. Houston would only have two full days of practice before having to release the final injury report on Friday.
Kamari Lassiter stats
A second-round pick out of Georgia, Lassiter recorded two interceptions last week, including one before halftime. In eight games, he’s collected 29 tackles, eight pass breakups and three interceptions.
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 in Week 5 and Week 6.

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

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

Derek Stingley Jr. has been dealing with a hip injury leading up to Monday’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys.

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 was listed on the report as having a hip injury and did not practice Thursday afternoon. He returned Friday as a limited participant and was back at full speed during Saturday’s walkthrough. 

There’s a chance he still appears on the injury report as questionable, but the former No. 3 overall pick seems to be trending toward playing at AT&T Stadium. 

According to KRPC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Stingley is not dealing with anything serious. 

Derek Stingley stats

Stingley, the first-round pick out of LSU in 2022, 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 active 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 coach praises Cowboys backup QB Cooper Rush entering Week 11’s showdown

DeMeco Ryans sees the potential in Cooper Rush entering Week 11’s showdown between the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys.

Cooper Rush might be a backup quarterback, but it’s best not to doubt a player who’s been a part of a team for years.

It’s worse to doubt a passer who’s proven they can win on any given Sunday.

Rush, who’s served as Dak Prescott’s backup since joining the Dallas Cowboys out of Central Michigan in 2017, has filled in for the latter before because of injury.

Prescott suffered a broken right thumb in a dispiriting opening-day loss in 2022, thus leaving the balance of the regular season in the hands of Rush. He kept morale high, going 4-1 as a starter for an eventual postseason-bound roster.

Sitting at 3-6, the Cowboys would need a comeback for the ages to enter the NFC postseason race, but Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans isn’t rushing to conclusions on Rush.

“Cooper has been there a while and he understands how to operate the offense very efficiently,” Ryans said Thursday. “When it comes to everything, every operation that goes with the offense, the checks, getting them in the proper plays, Cooper does a great job of managing all of the pre-snap operations and he does a great job of getting the ball out, finding his playmakers, making really good decisions with the football.”

Prescott will miss the remainder of the regular season after undergoing hmastring surgery. Despite having former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance on the roster, the Cowboys are sticking with Rush for another week.

Rush, who’s started six games in eight seasons, completed 13 of his 23 pass attempts for 45 yards and fumbled twice in Sunday’s 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged that he “didn’t get Cooper into a rhythm” and said that Dallas needs to execute quicker if it plans on setting a tone.

For his career, Rush has completed 178 of 298 passes for 1,831 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions.

Ryans, who’s looking to get Houston back to its winning ways, isn’t paying attention to a Week 10 loss against the NFC East favorites. He’s looking at the body of work, which features Rush sitting at 4-2 all-time in the starting job.

“Cooper has a great record,” Ryans said. “When he’s started, he’s won a lot of games. So, we’re going in with the mindset of it being about the Texans and about us executing the right way.”

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Former NFL QB rips Texans offense for ‘entry-level’ play-calling

Chris Simms did not hold back breaking down the offensive play-calling of the Houston Texans through 10 weeks in 2024.

The Houston Texans made history for all the wrong reasons on Sunday night at NRG Stadium against the Detroit Lions.

Even with a five-takeaway game and a 16-point first-half lead, the Texans allowed the Lions to work their way back en route to a 26-23 victory thanks to a 52-yard game-winning field goal from Jake Bates.

The Texans became the second team since 1970 to lose in a game where the opposing quarterback throws five interceptions while holding a 15-point first-half lead.

So, who is to blame for the blunders? C.J. Stroud tossed two interceptions, including one in the end zone that would have gone for a touchdown pass to Tank Dell.

The defense allowed three total scoring drives, including two in the second half.

The usually accurate Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a 53-yard attempt just before the Lions marched down the field to set up Bates’ game-winner.

Former NFL quarterback and NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms offered a bit of insight into the lackluster second half, noting Houston’s issues are primarily play-calling based.

“It’s a bigger problem than C.J. Stroud. He’s not perfect, but C.J. Stroud is still pretty damn good,” Simms told ESPN’s Kevin Clark. “It’s the second year of [offensive coordinator] Bobby Slowik’s scheme, and I do think people have caught on to that.“

Slowik has received ample criticism for his play-calling over the past five games. Houston hasn’t scored a touchdown in the second half since Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots.

That’s eight quarters and counting entering Monday night’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

Simms criticized Slowik’s play design, stating that while he comes from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, it’s more as if the second-year coordinator is trying to mirror his mentor.

“It’s the Shanahan scheme, but it’s like the early, entry-level of the Shanahan scheme,” Simms said. “Now there needs to be more to it and a next level and a next group of plays.”

While the Texans need a switch-up, moving off Slowik’s play-calling might be a reach at the moment. Houston’s been without its top two receivers, Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, since Week 8. 

Collins, who was activated off the injured reserve earlier this week, is expected to return for Monday’s outing in Arlington, thus adding more upside to the passing game for Stroud and his fellow receivers. 

Playing against an underwhelming opponent also helps. The Cowboys (3-6) enter Week 11 without starting quarterback Dak Prescott, who is out for the season with a hamstring injury. Dallas’ offense also ranks 30th in scoring and 19th in total defense. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on ESPN and ABC. 

Texans cut veteran CB, sign former first-round OL

The Texans are making changes to the roster before their Week 11 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys.

An internal move has been made to the Houston Texans’ roster entering Week 11’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

The Texans are re-signing cornerback D’Angelo Ross and adding former first-round offensive tackle Cameron Erving to the practice squad.

In a corresponding move, Houston is releasing veteran All-Pro defensive back and return man Desmond King and offensive tackle David Sharpe.

Ross, who started two games in place of rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter, was released on Saturday and cleared waivers. He was always expected to return to the practice squad, espeically given his knowledge of the defense.

In the two games Ross started, he allowed 10 catches on 10 targets and one touchdown for 148 receiving yards. He also recorded 13 tackles.

King, who started three seasons with the Texans, was a valuable asset to Houston’s success after rejoining the team following his release from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In six games, he totaled 47 tackles, one sack, and two pass breakups in seven games for the AFC South champions.

This past season, King played in one game as an elevation from the practice squad. He recorded one tackle.

Erving, a former first-round pick by the Cleveland Browns, was part of the Texans’ roster during the preseason but was cut during roster trimdowns.

He’ll replace Sharpe as the potential added offensive lineman from the practice squad, especially given his position flexibility.

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

Texans vs. Cowboys broadcast map: Will the Week 11 game be on TV?

Here’s which games you can watch this weekend on top of the Houston Texans’ matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

After playing in primetime on ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 10, the Houston Texans (6-4) will stay in front of a national TV audience on Monday when they visit the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) in Arlington.

The battle for the Lone Star State kicks off on ESPN and ABC as part of Week 11’s ‘Monday Night Football’ actions. Both teams are coming off losses and could use a premier win just to salvage a season of dismay.,

This is one of those games for the whole country to enjoy. So long as you have ABC or ESPN on your television, you’ll catch the showdown at AT&T Stadium between a pair of Texans-based squads looking to have bragging rights until the next time they meet.

Check the map from 506 Sports below to see what other games will be on in your area on Sunday afternoon. On CBS, most Texans will watch the Baltimore Ravens face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers before a national showdown between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs.

On FOX, the Green Bay Packers will take on the Chicago Bears, headlined by the voice of seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt.

Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will be on the call for ESPN, while Lisa Salters will serve as the sidelines reporter in Arlington.

The Texans haven’t played at AT&T since 2022, when they lost, 27-23, thanks to a 2-yard touchdown run by Ezekiel Elliott with 41 seconds remaining.

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

Texans All-Pro WR predicted to leave Houston for NFC franchise

Stefon Diggs could be headed back to New York this offseason rather than sign a one-year deal with the Houston Texans.

Has Stefon Diggs played his last down as a member of the Houston Texans?

The two-time All-Pro receiver suffered a season-ending torn ACL on a non-contact play in Week 8’s win over the Indianapolis Colts. He was on pace for a career year in receptions and would have likely garnered significant interest on the free agent market.

Acquired from the Buffalo Bills in April in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, the Texans voided the final three years of Diggs’ previous contract, thus making him a free agent in 2025. Houston could bring him back on a team-friendly two-year deal and let him rest building up to the 2025 campaign.

Other teams could be willing to pay more even with the injury playing a factor. Despite his injury, the 31-year-old remains a reliable weapon and consistent chain-mover as a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 threat.

If Diggs were to test free agency, he’d had options. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report predicted one of those options to be Tampa Bay as the new No. 2 target for Baker Mayfield over Chris Godwin.

The other options? A return to the Empire State on a new deal with the New York Giants.

A short-term “prove-it” deal could make the Maryland product one of the best bargains of the offseason, though, as he had shown no signs of decline before the injury.

Diggs could be a sneaky target for the Buccaneers, should they lose Chris Godwin in free agency. They are projected to have $31.1 million in cap space, and Diggs might accept an incentive-laden contract that fits with their financial plan.

The New York Giants would also make a ton of sense for Diggs. New York may pivot to a new quarterback in 2025, and Diggs could serve as a high-end No. 2 receiver opposite Malik Nabers—Darius Slayton is set to be a free agent.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll spent two seasons coaching Diggs as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator.

In eight games, Diggs caught a team-leading 47 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a wild card due to injury, but he’s also proven to be a high-upside target in the right offense, having been a year removed from a near 1,2000-yard campaign in Buffalo.

The Texans (6-4) take on the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) this Monday night on ESPN. Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Where the Texans rank statistically heading into Week 11

Here’s where the Houston Texans stack up compared to every other team in the NFL stat-wise entering Week 11.

The Houston Texans (6-4) hit the road for a third consecutive primetime showdown against the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) in Week 11 on Monday Night Football.

Houston needs a win just to get back to its roots following a disastrous end in Week 10’s 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions. The Texans blew a 16-point lead in the second half behind a pair of C.J. Stroud interceptions.

Jared Goff, who threw five interceptions, led two scoring drives over the final 30 minutes and helped set up two Jake Bates field goals, including a game-winning 52-yard kick as time expired.

Houston’s now the second team since 1933 to lose a game in which they caught five interceptions and led by at least 15. Previously, teams were 373-1-1 when leading by at least 15 and snagging five interceptions.

The other time a team lost in that fashion was in Week 11 of 1970, when the Chicago Bears lost to the Baltimore Colts 21-20 despite Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas throwing five interceptions.

“Definitely should have won this game,” Stroud said. “My job is to lead the offense to score points, and I didn’t do that today.

“We really should have put them away after the first half. It’s really on the offense.”

With Week 11 on deck, how do the Texans compare to the rest of the NFL this season? Looking at the major metrics (courtesy of Team Rankings, ESPN, The Football Database and StatMuse), here is where Houston ranked following Week 10:

Where are the Texans picking in the 2025 NFL draft after Week 10?

The Texans remain in the playoff hunt, but they’re inching closer to a higher draft pick following Week 10’s home loss against the Lions.

The Houston Texans are thinking of the postseason, but change is needed on the offensive line if the AFC South leaders plan on winning a Super Bowl.

After Kenyon Green suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 9’s 21-13 loss against the New York Jets, conversations began on the future of the left guard spot. Juice Scruggs was serviceable in a Week 10 loss against the Detroit Lions, but the former second-round pick is better suited to play center.

The same goes for Jarrett Patterson, who likely will remain the starting center moving forward into Week 11’s matchup on Monday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Interior offensive linemen usually fall in the draft, given their value compared to tackles. Barring a trade of four-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, Houston should be content with its book ends.

Either second-round pick Blake Fisher or veteran Tytus Howard should take over at right tackle in 2025.

Howard, who inked a three-year extension before the 2023 season, could also shift inside to guard, leaving a hole at right guard in place of the struggling Shaq Mason. Houston could part ways with the veteran lineman since he’ll be paid up on all his guaranteed money from the extension signed in 2023.

If the Texans target a lineman in the draft, defensive tackle, safety, and receiver could all be options in the first round.

Here’s a look at where the Texans are listed after the Week 9 loss and the full draft order projection from Talkathon:

  • Round 1, No. 20 overall
  • Round 2, No. 54 overall
  • Round 3, No. 85 overall
  • Round 4, No. 121 overall
  • Round 5, No. 166 overall (via BUF)
  • Round 7, No. 235 overall

All those numbers could improve if the Texans can respond on primetime against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium later this week. Houston remains the favorite to win the AFC South and could be in line for the No. 3 if they finish with the same record as the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens, given their head-to-head wins.

Houston should look better on offense with the return of receiver Nico Collins, who is expected to play this week after being activated off the injured reserve last weekend. The Texans could be without pass-rusher and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Will Anderson Jr., who left in the first half with an ankle injury against the Jets.

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

All 32 NFL teams (including the Texans) ranked by FPI ratings

Here’s how the Texans rank in FPI rankings among all 32 other NFL teams entering Week 11’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football.

Ten games into the season, the Houston Texans (6-4) have a -1.2 Football Power Index (FPI) rating from ESPN, which ranks 13th among all 32 teams.

The Dallas Cowboys (6-4), who play host to Houston in Week 11 on ‘Monday Night Football’, are ranked 32nd with an 8.0 FPI rating.

FPI is “a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team’s performance going forward for the rest of the season,” according to ESPN.com. “FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Projected results are based on 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, results to date, and the remaining schedule.”

With that background in mind, here’s a look at how the league’s 32 teams stack up based on FPI going into Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season.

  1. Detroit Lions (8-1): 7.5
  2. Baltimore Ravens (7-3): 7.0
  3. Buffalo Bills (8-2): 6.0
  4. Kansas City Chiefs (9-0): 5.4
  5. San Francisco 49ers (5-4): 4.4
  6. Green Bay Packers (6-3): 4.4
  7. Philadelphia Eagles (7-2): 4.2
  8. Minnesota Vikings (7-2): 2.3
  9. Washington Commanders (7-3): 2.0
  10. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2): 1.9
  11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6): 1.7
  12. Arizona Cardinals (6-4): 1.5
  13. Houston Texans (6-4): 1.2
  14. Atlanta Falcons (6-4): 0.8
  15. Cincinnati Bengals (4-6): 0.7
  16. Los Angeles Chargers (6-3): 0.7
  17. New York Jets (3-7): 0.2
  18. Cleveland Browns (2-7): -0.3
  19. Los Angeles Rams (4-5): -0.4
  20. Miami Dolphins (3-6): -0.7
  21. New Orleans Saints (3-7): -1.3
  22. Seattle Seahawks (4-5): -1.4
  23. Chicago Bears (4-5): -1.4
  24. Indianapolis Colts (4-6): -1.6
  25. Denver Broncos (5-5): -2.8
  26. New York Giants (2-8): -4.6
  27. Las Vegas Raiders (2-7): -4.8
  28. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8): -5.1
  29. Tennesee Titans (2-7): -5.2
  30. New England Patriots (3-7): -6.5
  31. Carolina Panthers (3-7): -7.4
  32. Dallas Cowboys (3-6): -8.0

The Texans will aim to improve their rating when they take on the Cowboys in Week 11. Houston has moved down two spots since last week.