Tag: Texans vs. Lions

Texans clinch second-consecutive AFC South title thanks to help from Broncos

The Houston Texans are going back to the playoffs!!!

The Houston Texans are headed back to the playoffs.

With the Denver Broncos securing a victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday evening, the Texans have clinched the AFC South for a second consecutive season.

Houston (9-5) defeated the Miami Dolphins, 20-12, on Sunday afternoon to put itself in position to clinch. Even if the Colts (6-8) were to finish with the same record to close out 2024, the Texans hold the head-to-head wins, thus giving them the advantage.

The Texans’ offense scored two touchdowns on passes from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins to take a 20-6 lead midway through the third quarter. Tua Tagovailoa brought Miami within eight points, but his four turnovers, including two interceptions to Derek Stingley Jr., were too much to overcome.

Denver’s defense forced five turnovers, including a 50-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Nik Bonitto with 12:29 remaining in the fourth quarter. While rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw three interceptions, Anthony Richardson threw two, including one in the red zone on a potential game-tying scoring drive.

The Texans might have a playoff berth, but the seeding remains a mystery. If the season were to end today, Houston would play the Baltimore Ravens, who still remain the highest-ranked wild-card team entering Week 16.

Houston could go as high as the No. 2 seed in the conference should it win its final three games against the Kansas City Chiefs, Ravens and Tennessee Titans. At 12-5, everything would be based on tiebreakers.

The Texans would own tiebreakers over both Kansas City and Baltimore should each win the division. Houston also holds the tiebreaker over the Buffalo Bills following its Week 5 win at NRG Stadium.

Entering the evening games, the Texans weren’t paying attention to the outcome of Sunday’s contest in Denver. At least that’s what the locker room said.

Even if that’s a lie, it’s a double victory Monday when players enter the locker room for a short week of practice.

The Texans will face the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, December 21. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT and will be nationally televised on NBC.

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)

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 DE Will Anderson Jr. named NFL Global Flag Football Ambassador

Will Anderson Jr. is more than just a player on the field for the Houston Texans.

Will Anderson Jr. is the epitome of “all-around good guy” for the Houston Texans. It’s why he continues to pick the hardware whenever there’s an opportunity.

The Texans announced Anderson as an NFL Global Flag Football Ambassador. Anderson joins current NFL and flag football players, Legends, coaches and officials who work together to raise the global profile and promote one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

According to the Texans public relations department,  U.S. Women’s National Flag Team star and Texas native Ashlea Klam will also represent the Texans as a Global Flag Football Ambassador. Klam has played flag football since the age of 6 and serves as an inspiration to young girls who strive to represent their country by playing the sport they love.

She was recognized on-field at NRG Stadium during the team’s Week 12 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

Anderson remains one of the league’s top pass rushers as his second season comes to a close. While sharing the spotlight with four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter, the former No. 3 overall pick ranks in the top 10 among all defenders in sacks (9.5), tackles for loss (12.5) and QB hits (31).

The Texans travel to EverBank Stadium to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday at noon CT.

Texans can keep keep two streaks alive with win over Jaguars

The Houston Texans haven’t lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road since 2017, but another record could be intact with a win on Sunday.

After losing four of their last six games, the Houston Texans must regain their old identity should they plan on making a run in the AFC Playoffs.

A victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, however, means more than just bragging rights in the AFC South.

The victory carries a much grander tone toward both the last-place Jags and the division as a whole.

Houston is looking to secure its consecutive road win against AFC South opponents at EverBank Stadium. The Texans haven’t lost an interdivisional matchup away from NRG Stadium since a 31-3 loss on Oct. 17, 2021, at Indianapolis.

Sitting at 1-0 on the season following a Week 1 victory over the Colts, Houston could be in line to secure a four-plus win season in the division with a victory. The Texans can’t clinch a playoff berth this week, but it would set up a potential 5-1 finish in the division entering Week 18’s road test against the Tennessee Titans in what could factor in the postseason seeding.

There’s another record that could remain intact with a victory on Sunday. Houston hasn’t lost in Duval County since Dec. 17, 2017, when the team was already down countless starters, including then-quarterback Deshaun Watson, en route to a 4-12 finish.

Since 2017, the Texans have been 5-0 at EverBank and 6-0 in road tests against Jacksonville. The two played in 2019 in London, where Houston secured a 26-3 victory.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

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.