Watch: Texans WR John Metchie III finally scores first TD

After suffering a torn ACL, undergoing cancer treatment and fighting his way onto the roster in Year 3, John Metchie III scored a touchdown.

The last time John Metchie III scored a touchdown during the regular season came on Dec. 4, 2021.

That was his senior season and final game at the University of Alabama.

Plenty has happened for the Houston Texans‘ third-year receiver since he crossed the goal line in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia.

He tore his ACL the following quarter down in Atlanta and would miss the national championship while undergoing season-ending surgery.

He became a second-round draft pick for Houston and hopefully the long-term option in the slot.

He underwent a battle with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a rare but treatable form of cancer.

And he nearly didn’t make the active roster after back-to-back forgotten seasons as the Texans’ No. 4 receiver.

But Metchie never lost hope that he’d eventually cross into the end zone again. That moment arrived Sunday on the primetime stage against Houston’s most lethal opponent.

As the second quarter came to a close against the Detroit Lions, C.J. Stroud found Metchie for a 15-yard score to give the Texans a 23-7 entering halftime.

Houston (6-3) will receive the ball at halftime and could have a chance to extend its lead beyond the three scores.

With Nico Collins out, Metchie has been the one to step up as the top option for Stroud, hauling in four passes for 65 yards.

His first half against the Lions has actually doubled his receiving total from this season as a whole.

Metchie waited nearly 1,000 days for six points. Just like at Alabama, he was ready to break out the celebration.

Watch: Texans RB Joe Mixon keeps up monster season with another TD vs. Lions

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is well on his way to an All-Pro season with another scoring drive on primetime.

(This story was updated to change or add a photo or video.)

Death, taxes, and Joe Mixon finding the end zone are the only three things Houston Texans fans have come to know are inevitable in 2024.

Without Nico Collins, the Texans continue to emphasize the importance of the ground game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football. After four underwhelming runs following a Jimmie Ward interception, Mixon broke to the outside for an 8-yard touchdown run.

The score marks Mixon’s fifth consecutive game with a rushing touchdown and eighth score of the regular season. C.J. Stroud evaded a pair of sacks and connected with Tank Dell and John Metchie III for first-down gains.

Here’s a look at the play below.

The Texans often talk about unsung heroes throughout a regular season. Mixon doesn’t score without receiver Robert Woods setting up a screen block against Lions defensive back Brian Brach, who was in pursuit of meeting Mixon behind the line for a loss of yards.

Mixon, who’s averaging 4.8 yards per run, could make history on Sunday night entering the midway point of the regular season.

With 100 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Lions, the former Bengals Pro Bowler would become the third player in NFLĀ  history to rush for 100 yards and a touchdown in six of their first seven games of a season.

He’s already got the score. Now, he needs 98 yards.

Is Will Anderson Jr. playing tonight? Latest injury updates for Texans DE

Will Anderson Jr. has been dealing with an ankle injury suffered in Week 9’s loss against the New York Jets and now will miss Sunday’s game.

The Houston Texans return home for Sunday Night Football in what could be a potential Super Bowl preview vs. the Detroit Lions. While the Texans will have multiple defenders back, one player could be out for another week.

Second-year defensive end Will Anderson Jr. did not practice throughout the week after suffering an ankle injury in Week 9’s loss against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Does that mean he’s out against the NFC favorites?

Here’s an update on the Texans’ star pass-rusher heading into their third primetime game.

Will Anderson Jr. injury update

Anderson, who won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, left during the first quarter of Week 9’s loss after linebacker Neville Hewitt landed on his ankle. He was helped off the field by medical staff and was in and out of the medical blue tent.

While Anderson tried to return to the game, he was limited, playing four total snaps before halftime. After the break, the Texans listed him as questionable, but he did not return to help Houston mount a comeback.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Anderson was in good spirits, but the team would be carefully monitoring him throughout the week.

ā€œHeā€™s doing well,ā€ Ryans said at Wednesdayā€™s press conference. ā€œWeā€™ll see where he ends up.

After missing Friday’s walkthrough, Anderson was ruled out for Sunday night.

How long will Will Anderson be out?Ā 

It’s a week-to-week injury. If Anderson returns to practice next week, he’ll have an extra day to recover before the Texans travel to Arlington to take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11 at AT&T Stadium.

If he’s not, Houston could hold him out until Week 12 or 13 when it needs a win over AFC South foes Tennessee and Indianapolis, respectively.

Will Anderson Jr. stats

The former No. 3 overall pick was on a tear entering his sophomore season. Anderson was recently named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month the morning before his injury on Halloween after totaling five sacks and an NFL-leading seven tackles for loss in October.

Houstonā€™s pass rush had led the NFL in pressures (128) before the Jets game. The Texans were held to just six pressures when Anderson wasnā€™t on the field last week.

For the season, Anderson has 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. At the time of his injury, he led the league in tackles for loss and ranked third in sacks.

Texans DE depth chart

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

  • Danielle Hunter
  • Derek Barnett
  • Denico Autry
  • Dylan Horton

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

What channel is Texans vs. Lions on today? Time, TV schedule for Week 10 game

It’s the Houston Texans vs Detroit Lions in Week 10 of the 2024 NFL season. Here’s how to watch, including time, channel, TV schedule and streaming info.

(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccurate headline.)

The Houston Texans (6-3) will battle the Detroit Lions (7-1) on Sunday in Week 10, where the Texans are looking to keep their undefeated record alive at NRG Stadium for another week.

With a win, the Texans would improve to 4-0 in the regular season when playing in front of the home crowd. At 7-3, it also would keep Houston in the hunt for the first-round bye as the AFC favorites.

But the Lions serve as a Super Bowl-esque test for the AFC South favorites. Jared Goff has fewer incompletions than the team has points over the three games. Detriot is getting healthy at the right time with the return of receiver Jameson Williams.

“You talk about turning on the jets; this kid can fly. He can make plays and heā€™s another guy who we have to tackle, tackle well,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He does a good job of running physical. Heā€™s a smaller player, but he runs the ball really physical.”

Watch Texans vs. Lions live on Fubo (free trial)

Here’s how to watch the Lions vs. Texans game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is Lions vs. Texans on today?

TV Channel: NBC

Livestream:Ā Fubo (free trial)

The Lions vs. Texans will be broadcast on NBC in Week 10 of the 2024 NFL season. Mike Trico will provide the play-by-play. Cris Collinsworth will handle the analysis, and Mellisa Stark will be on the sidelines at NRG. Stadium. Streaming options for the game include FUBO,Ā which offers a free trial to new subscribers, andĀ Paramount+.

Texans vs. Colts time today

Tank Dell injury update: Will Texans WR play in Week 10 ‘SNF’ showdown vs. Lions?

Tank Dell is dealing with a back injury entering Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions.

The Houston Texans are getting healthy at the right time.

While the AFC South favorites will be withoutĀ All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs for the remainder of the season, they are getting back defensive back Jimmie Ward and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

But the Texans saw an unfamiliar face on the injury report Friday afternoon. Second-year receiver Tank Dell appeared on the injury report with a back injury.Ā Ā 

Will Dell be cleared to return to action, or will the Texans hold him out until he is as close to 100% as possible? Hereā€™s what to know about the No. 2 receiverā€™s injury and status for Week 10.

Tank Dell injury update

Dell, who was healthy throughout the week, was listed on the injury report for the first time on Friday afternoon. He was limited during the walk-through and was listed as questionable in the final injury report.Ā 

With Diggs out, Dell stepped up as the No. 1 target in a 21-13 loss against the New York Jets, hauling in six passes for 126 yards. Robert Woods was the only receiver to catch another pass as C.J. Stroud was sacked a career-high eight times.Ā 

Dell, who suffered a season-ending leg injury last year, has already missed a game this season after leaving late in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings.

Will Tank Dell play Week 10 vs. Lions?

According to KPRC2 SportsAaron Wilson, Dell is expected to play against the Lions after being added to the injury report. Fellow receiver Nico Collins is expected to be a game-time decision after being activated from the injury report on Saturday afternoon.Ā 

This season, Dell has been hit-or-miss, though he’s trending upward following his breakout performance against the Jets. In eight games, the former Houston Cougars star has notched 30 catches for 355 yards and two touchdowns.Ā 

Texans WR depth chart

With Collins technically still sidelined and Diggs on the season-ending injured reserve, hereā€™s a look at the Texans receiving depth chart entering Week 10.

  • Tank Dell
  • Robert Woods
  • John Metchie III
  • Xavier Hutchinson
  • Steven Sims

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik praised Dell’s performance after taking over as the leading receiver last Thursday.

Since Diggs’ departure, Dell has collected 10 catches for 141 yards and one touchdown on 13 targets.

ā€œHe took advantage of some matchups, and some plays worked out where we had given him plenty of opportunities in the last three or four weeks,Slowik said.Sometimes, you canā€™t control the coverage.”Ā 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.Ā 

Texans receive best news possible on WR Nico Collins’ status vs. Lions

Nico Collins is officially off the injured reserve and could be in line to start on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Nico Collins is back.

The Houston Texans officially activated the fourth-year pass-catcher injured reserve to the active roster, the team announced Saturday.Ā  As a result, the Texans have waived former cornerback D’Angelo Ross.

While Collins might be on the active roster, the Texans are listing him as questionable for Sunday’s primetime matchup against the Detroit Lions. Should he pass all the tests during pregame drills, Collins is expected to play as the team debuts their new “Battle Red” jerseys.

Collins, who’s missed the past four games, would be a welcomed addition to the passing game now with Stefon Diggs on the injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL in Week 8.

Before suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills, Collins led the league with 567 receiving yards. He also ranked third with 32 catches and led the Texans with three touchdowns.

During the first quarter of Week 5’s outing, Collins came up pulling his leg after scoring on a 67-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud. He immediately headed to the locker room and did not return. On Wednesday, the Texans placed on the injured reserve, sidelining him through October.

While the Texans still have problems on the offensive line, adding a second target alongside Tank Dell could upgrade C.J. Stroud’s tempo when facing a potent Lions’ pass rush. Last week against the New York Jets, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year was sacked a career-high eight times.

Dell was the only consistent weapon, totaling six catches for 126 yards. John Metchie III, Cade Stover and Xavier Hutchinson didn’t record a reception on 11 targets.

The Texans are being cautious with Collins’ return. He returned to practice on Friday for the first time in nearly a month, but the final day of the week is more of a walk-through.

Even if Collins were to be active, it’s hard to imagine him as a focal point of the passing game in the same fashion as before the injury. Dell should remain the go-to weapon, but Collins’ impact on the field would take pressure away from the second-year target.

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

Texans RB Joe Mixon receives promotion following hot start

Joe Mixon has been named a team captain for the Houston Texans for the remainder of the season.

Joe Mixon is getting promoted.

The Houston Texans have named the Pro Bowl running a team captain for the remainder of the season. Mixon will replace Stefon Diggs, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 8’s win over the Indianapolis Colts.

“It’s a blessing,” Mixon said Friday. “I’m very grateful.”

If anyone has proven their value as a captain, it’s Mixon. Off the field, he’s been called a leader who wants perfection in every minor detail. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud mentioned Mixon’s attentiveness to the play and willingness to call players and coaches if they’re underperforming.

“That is what you want because at the end of the day. We all came here for one common goal and that is to win,” Stroud said. “If that is hurting somebodyā€™s feelings, we are grown men, we get paid to do this. So, you have to be able to understand it, take it for love because he really just cares about the game, and he cares about this team and his coaches.

“I love Joe.”

On the field, Mixon remains the definition of consistency. Since returning from an ankle injury suffered in Week 2, he’s rushed for over 100 yards in each contest and scored at least one touchdown.

Since being traded to Houston this offseason, Mixon has averaged 4.8 yards per attempt and 101.5 yards per game. He’s scored six touchdowns on 126 rushing attempts.

“He very much exemplifies what we believe, as far as a Texans mindset,” offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said. “He plays fast, he is physical, he is tough, and you make sure you know it and you see it. Every time he touches a rock, and every time he does out in practice, how he approaches the meetings. He goes about it the way everyone in the Texans organization should go about it.”

Mixon will debut as the Texans’ newest captain this Sunday Night when the AFC South leaders welcome the Detroit Lions to NRG Stadium. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Nico Collins injury update: Will Texans WR play in Week 10 ‘SNF’ showdown vs. Lions?

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins was recently designated to return to practice after spending four weeks on the injured reserve.

The Houston Texans are getting healthy at the right time.

While the AFC South favorites will be without All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs for the remainder of the season, they are getting back defensive back Jimmie Ward and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

Houston also could be adding its top weapon in Nico Collins for Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions on NBC at NRG Stadium. The fourth-year target was designated to return after missing the previous four games with a hamstring injury.

WillĀ  Collins be cleared to return to action, or will the Texans hold him out until he is as close to 100% as possible? Here’s what to know about the No. 1 receiver’s injury and status for Week 10.

Nico Collins injury update

Collins, who was leading the NFL in receiving yards with 567, left during the first quarter of Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills. After scoring on a 67-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud, Collins hobbled over to the sideline and began grabbing the back of his leg.

He was placed on the IR for a minimum of four games the following Tuesday. Houston went 2-2 during its stretch without him, but improved to 3-0 in the division with a Week 8 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

According toĀ KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson, Collins has passed all tests related to his hamstring with “no setbacks.” He was activated off the IR Friday and did practice in a limited capacity.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said the team would monitor Collins throughout the week, though he appeared to be “feeling good” after the initial diagnosis.

“Nico, heā€™s doing good,” Ryans said after practice Wednesday. “Weā€™ll see where he ends up.”

Right now, it’s still unclear if the 25-year-old will play. He’s trending upward and would be a welcomed addition to an underwhelming passing game, but the decision will be up to the medical staff.

The Texans have 21 days to return Collins to the active roster after designating him to return from IR on Friday. For Sunday’s game, Houston must decide by the 3 p.m. deadline if it plans on activating him to the 53-man roster.

Will Nico Collins play Week 10 vs. Lions?

Collins might have practiced on Friday, but it’s more of a walkthrough than actual practice. Since he didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday, it’s to assume his status is questionable until further notice.

If the Texans aren’t comfortable with bringing him back in Week 10, a return could be in play for the team’s Week 11 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. By all indications, Collins is closer to returning than he is to missing two consecutive games.

Texans WR depth chart

With Collins still sidelined and Diggs on the season-ending injured reserve, here’s a look at the Texans receiving depth chart entering Week 10.

  • Tank Dell
  • Robert Woods
  • John Metchie III
  • Xavier Hutchinson
  • Steven Sims

Woods stepped up as the No. 2 option last week with two catches for 42 yards at MetLife Stadium. Metchie and Hutchinson combined for zero catches for seven targets.

Dell could be in line for another breakout game after hauling in six passes for 126 yards last Thursday. He’s off pace of duplicating his numbers from last year, but a strong outing Sunday evening could have him back in the running for a sophomore surge.

“I thought every week he has been open, we just have to find time to get it to him and I have to throw the right ball to get it to him,” Stroud said. “He is going to continue to do great.ā€

Nico Collins injury update is great news for Texans entering Week 10 showdown

Nico Collins could be in line to play on Sunday against the Detroit Lions after returning to practice.

Nico Collins is finally back.

Well, he’s at least practicing for the first time in nearly a month.

The Houston Texans activated the fourth-year pass-catcher off the injured reserve Friday morning prior to pracitce.

They will have 21 days to either activate him to the 53-man roster or place him back on the IR.

Collins plans on playing the remainder of the regular season, including potentially on Sunday when Houston plays host to the Detroit Lions. As C.J. Stroud’s top target, the Texans need him back for the home stretch if they plan on securing a top-three seed in the AFC Playoffs.

While Collins hasn’t practiced the past two days, that doesn’t mean he won’t play at NRG Stadium in Week 10 as Houston debuts its new “Battle Red” jerseys. Twice players have missed practice and returned in time for kickoff.

Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi missed back-to-back practices with a shoulder injury in Week 7 before returning to take on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

Tight end Dalton Schutlz missed two practices because of an ankle injury, yet still managed to suit up in Week 2’s win over the Chicago Bears.

Just because Collins is cleared to practice doesn’t mean he’ll play, either. The Texans know their offense funnels through the vertical star who posted career numbers in 2023 as Stroud’s top target.

Any setback could cost them wins in favorable matchups against the Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars before the bye week.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Collins was ā€œdoing goodā€ leading up to Wednesday’s practice. The tean planned on monitoring him throughout the week before making a final deciscion.

Collins, who led the NFL in receving yards (567) and ranked third in receptions (32) before being injured, will test out the hamstring during Friday’s drills. Houston will have two days to decide if he’s healthy enough to play on Sunday against the NFC favorites in what could be a potential Super Bowl preview.

Even if Collins is out, it’s a significant step in the right direction, something needed for Houston entering the second half of the regular season.

Will new Lions DE Za’Darius Smith play on Sunday night vs. Texans?

Za’Darius is headed to Detriot, but will he be on the field when the Lions take on the Texans this Sunday?

Za’Darius Smith was brought in to upgrade the pass rush entering the second half of the Detroit Lions season.

He might have to wait a week before debuting with his new team.

Lions coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Wednesday that the team would give Smith off until Friday, thus allowing him time to acclimate and enjoy some rest on what would have been his bye week with the Cleveland Browns.

If Smith doesn’t appear on the Lions injury report on Friday, it likely means he’s good to when the NFC favorites take on the Houston Texans. If he does, Detriot could be missing its best pass-rusher when facing C.J. Stroud.

“He’ll be back with us on Friday and we’ll see exactly where he’s at. I can’t confirm whether he’s going to play or not,” Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said. “That’ll be up to coach Campbell and (Smith) to see exactly where he’s at, but I am excited having that player.”

Smith, 32, joins a Lions’ roster hit by a litany of injuries toward their defensive line over the last month. Aidan Hutchinson (leg), Marcus Davenport (pectoral), Derrick Barnes (knee) and John Cominsky (knee), have all dealt with ailments that have sidelined them for weeks.

Hutchinson, who was on pace with Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. for Defensive Player of the Year, is out for the season. Davenport won’t return until at least the playoffs, should the Lions continue their success.
Enter Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher with five sacks already attached to his name. Over the past three games, the Lions’ pass rush has registered just five sacks to Smith’s 2.5.

The Texans are prepping for the Lions with the intention of Smith seeing the field. Despite being on a new team, Houston faced Smith twice last season during the regular season and AFC Wild Card Round.

In the first go-around, Smith registered three tackles for loss and two sacks.

“One thing that sticks out about him is that he rushes with power. Heā€™s quick, explosive, rushes with power,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “And of course, we have to have eyes on him at all times, be well aware that we have to make sure weā€™re blocking him.”

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