Tag: Will Anderson Jr.

Texans receive positive news on DE Will Anderson Jr.’s status for Week 12

Will Anderson Jr. was back at practice for the Houston Texans on Wednesday for the first time in two weeks.

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

Will Anderson Jr. is inching his way back to 100 percent.

Anderson, the Houston Texans’ leading pass-rusher and a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, returned to practice for the first time in two weeks after dealing with an ankle injury.

The Texans listed him as limited on the injury report, but simply putting weight on the ankle is a positive sign for the second-year defensive end entering Week 12’s showdown against the Tennessee Titans.

“We’ve been missing him the past couple of weeks,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “His leadership style, his play style, his demeanor all around. So it’s good to have him back at practice.”

Anderson, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, hasn’t played since the second quarter of Week 9’s loss against the New York Jets on Halloween. After trying to return to the game, the Texans ruled him out and he hasn’t been on the field since.

A team captain and force in the trenches, Anderson was having a monster start to the 2024 season before missing the past two games against the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. Not only did he lead the NFL with 11.5 tackles for loss, but his 7.5 sacks also ranked top-three among all defensive players through the first nine weeks.

Anderson also was coming off winning AFC Defensive Player of the Month for October after finishing with 17 tackles, including an NFL-best seven for loss, five sacks, a pass breakup that resulted in an interception and a fumble recovery. His return would be welcomed opposite four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter.

Even with the injuries to receivers Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins, Houston’s defensive line might be the thinnest. Even after signing multiple players, the Texans have yet to see all four of their projected starting defensive linemen on the field at the same time this season.

Defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr., who had been suspended for four games for violating the league’s drug policy, returned to the lineup last week.

Denico Autry, who had been suspended the first six games for violating its policy against performance-enhancing drug use, came back right when Edwards was put on the suspended list.

Meanwhile, starting defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi missed last week’s game with a foot injury.

Having a dominant defensive line could be trouble for the Titans’ front five protecting Will Levis. Tennessee has allowed 33 sacks on the season, including 27 against the second-year starter.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT at NRG Stadium.

Texans-Cowboys inactives: Who’s in, who’s out for Week 11

Here’s who’s out for the Houston Texans against the Dallas Cowboys on ‘Monday Night Football.’

For the most part, the Houston Texans know who won’t be suiting up at AT&T Stadium on Monday night.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle), defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (foot) and cornerback Kamari Lassiter (concussion) all were listed as inactive for another primetime against the Dallas Cowboys. Rookie offensive tackle Blake Fisher (concussion) was ruled out before the team left for Arlington on Sunday afternoon.

Cornerback Jeff Okudah was listed as questionable after being limited all week in practice but his status wasn’t really in serious doubt. He’s officially active, along with defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. and will back up Ka’Dar Hollman in Houston’s secondary.

The Texans should have Lassiter back next week after he was cleared to practice on Sunday. Houston has been precautious all season with players in concussion protocol.

On the opposing side, wideout CeeDee Lamb, who was listed as questionable for the week, will suit up for ‘Monday Night Football.’ In 2022 when Houston visited Arlington,the All-Pro target caught five balls for 33 yards.

Here’s the full inactive list for both the Texans and Cowboys. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Houston Texans (6-4)

Dallas Cowboys (3-7)

Texans vs. Cowboys injury report: Latest updates, news for Thursday

Several Texans players were not at practice on Thursday afternoon in preparation for Week 11’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday

The Houston Texans have an extra day to prepare for their matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

That means an extra day to get players healthy enough for action.

Receiver Nico Collins and defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. practiced in pads for the first time in nearly a month after being added back to the active roster. Collins, who led the NFL in receiving yards with 567 during the first five games, missed the past five weeks with a hamstring injury.

Edwards, who started the first six games for the Texans, was recently activated after serving a four-game suspension without pay for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy.

Both players are on the path to play Monday night in Arlington. The same might not be said about rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who did not practice Tuesday afternoon.

Lassiter, Houston’s No. 2 cornerback, left during the third quarter of Week 10’s 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions with a concussion. He’s currently in the protocol stages before being cleared to return.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) and defensive tackle Foley Fatkukasi (foot) didn’t practice and might not make the trip north. Defensive end Denico Autry (rest day) is expected to be back on Friday.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Texans and Cowboys after Thursday’s practice:

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.

“He’s doing well,” Ryans said at Wednesday’s press conference. “We’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? 

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.

Houston’s pass rush had led the NFL in pressures (128) before the Jets game. The Texans were held to just six pressures when Anderson wasn’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.

Texans could be without top pass-rusher for Week 10 showdown vs. Lions

Will Anderson Jr. might not be back in time for Sunday’s showdown against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.

Will Anderson Jr. could be back in time for the Houston Texans’ Week 10 showdown against the Detroit Lions, but his chances feel slim after Thursday’s practice.

The second-year defensive end did not partake in drills during the open media session and was listed as a non-participant on the injury report. Barring a last-second return on Friday, it seems unlikely that Anderson will play on Sunday Night Football as Houston debuts its new “Battle Red” jerseys.

Anderson, a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, suffered an ankle injury during the first quarter after teammate Neville Hewitt landed on him while trying to make a tackle on running back Breece Hall. He was able to work out on the sidelines and tried to make a comeback three separate times, but he only played three snaps before missing the second half.

Anderson dealt with a lingering ankle injury through this preseason and missed two games last season because of it en route to winning the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year honor. He’s

Players who don’t practice the first two days of the week usually are ruled out for Sunday’s matchup. Anderson, who entered last week as the NFL leader in tackles for loss, likely must practice in some capacity during Friday’s walkthroughs if he plans to play.

It’s not impossible for a player for a player to miss two days of practice and then return for gameday. Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi didn’t practice until Friday’s walkthrough before the Texans’ Week 7 matchup against the Green Bay Packers after dealing with a shoulder injury.

Tight end Dalton Schultz played after an ankle injury sidelined him for two days prior to Week 2’s primetime matchup against the Chicago Bears.

Both practiced on Friday, however, giving them a chance to show up on the injury report as “questionable.” Friday will be perhaps the most crucial day for evaluation of Anderson’s status.

Without the former No. 3 overall pick, Houston likely turns to a combination of Derek Barnett and Denico Autry as the top two pass-rushers opposite Danielle Hunter.

Much like Nico Collins, Anderson was on the trajectory for a career-defining season. He throttled opponents with five sacks over his past four games, leading to his first AFC Defensive Player of the Month honor.

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

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. named AFC Defensive Player of the Month

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. made a case to win Defensive Player of the Year for his performance in the month of October.

Another week, another accolade for Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr.

The second year pass-rusher was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month Thursday, the league office announced prior to Houston’s matchup against the New York Jets.

This marks the first time Anderson has earned Player of the Month honors. The former No. 3 overall pick has been the defensive back toward a 3-1 record during the month of October and 6-2 overall, the team’s best start since 2012.

Entering Thursday’s game, Anderson recorded 17 tackles, including an NFL-leading seven for loss. He’s also accumulated five sacks, one pass defensed that resulted in an interception and one fumble recovery that sealed a victory.

His sacks led the AFC and ranked second in the NFL during October, while also recording 12 stops at or behind the line of scrimmage, the second-most in the NFL.

Drafted out of Alabama in 2023, Anderson  has recorded at least one sack in the last three contests, just one-of-eight players to do so across the league this year. His magic month is highlighted by a Week 6 performance that featured four tackles for loss, a career-high three sacks and a pass defensed that was deflected to his teammate for an interception.

Anderson’s career day concluded with him being honored as AFC Defensive Player of the Week after becoming just the 12th player in NFL history to record at least five tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and one pass defensed in a game.

Through eight games, Anderson has a career-high 7.5 sacks and also leads the NFL with 11 tackles for loss.

This marks the 20th time a Texan has been honored as player of the month and the first time a defensive player has garnered the award since J.J. Watt claimed the nod in September of 2018.

The Texans return to NRG Stadium to take on the Detroit Lions on Nov. 10 as the primetime game on Sunday Night Football.

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. making a case for Defensive Player of Year

Will Anderson Jr. very well could be on his way to winning the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award if he keeps up his production.

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

C.J. Stroud has already proven to be one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL entering his second season with the Houston Texans.

Will Anderson Jr. is holding up his end of the bargain on defense, too.

The former No. 3 overall pick continues to trend upward toward All-Pro honors as the 2024 season reaches the halfway point. Anderson delivered another strong outing in Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts, adding two more sacks to his season total on 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson.

Last season, Anderson finished with seven sacks in 15 games en route to winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. Through eight games, he posted 7.5 to go along with 11 tackles for loss.

To quantify those numbers, Anderson is third overall in sacks behind New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald. He’s first in TFLs, with Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt still two behind him.

Houston was mocked for trading away a future first-round pick to move up nine spots for a defensive end. With Richardson being benched, plus the inconsistent play from Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson, it seems like the Texans made the right call.

At 6-2, Houston remains in the hunt for the No. 1 seed as they take on the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football.

Anderson could add to his sack total with another promising outing against an underwhelming Jets offensive line that’s allowed Aaron Rodgers to be sacked 23 times.

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

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. joins Alabama legend on sack list

Will Anderson posted three sacks in Sunday’s win over the New England Patriots and made Alabama football history in the process.

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was first a star at the University of Alabama before he ever arrived at NRG Stadium.

Now, he joins a fellow Saturday legend in the Sunday history books.

With his three-sack outing in Sunday’s win over the New England Patriots, Aderson joined Hall of Fame linebacker and former Crismon Tide standout Derrick Thomas as one of 16 Alabama alums to accomplish the feat.

Thomas, who played 10 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, leads all Alabama players in three-sack outings in 10. He also holds the NFL record for the most sacks in a game with seven.

Anderson has a ways to go before he enters the same conversation as Thomas, but he could have had the best game of his young career. On top of totaling three sacks, Anderson finished with eight tackles, four tackles for loss and a pass deflection against rookie quarterback Drake Maye that led to an interception by Eric Murray.

“Massive game for him,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “To be able to get after the quarterback the way he did with three sacks, also forced an interception by Murray.

“I felt his mindset in pregame warmups, so I knew it was going to be a really good day for him. Will, he’s getting better every week. This is his best game by far.”

Anderson is on the trajectory to earn Defensive Player of the Year recognition entering Week 7’s road trip against the Green Bay Packers. He leads the NFL in tackles for loss with nine and ranks fifth in sacks with 5.5.

Those in Tuscaloosa knew of Anderson’s potential. At Alabama, he was a two-time unanimous All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner as a linebacker.

After being drafted No. 3 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Houston moved him from a 3-4 outside linebacker to a 4-3 defensive. Nothing changed about his approach. The future Pro Bowl would tie J.J. Watt for the Texans’ rookie sack record with seven en route to winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Thomas, who passed away in 2000 at the age of 33, finished with 126.5 career sacks. Entering the halfway point of the new season, Anderson currently sits with 12.5.

Kickoff at Lambeau Field is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. Named AFC Defensive Player Of The Week

Will Anderson’s performance in Sunday’s win over the New England Patriots has earned him the league’s highest defensive honor in Week 6.

 

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said he sensed that Will Anderson Jr. was about to pop off Sunday against the New England Patriots.

“I felt his mindset in pregame warmups,” Ryans said following a 41-21 victory at Gillette Stadium. “So, knew it was going to be a really good day for him.”

Ryans was right. Now, the NFL is taking notice.

Anderson was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 6, the league office announced Wednesday. The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year earned his first career Player of the Week honor after racking up three sacks against rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1846582114407391338

“Massive game for him, to be able to get after the quarterback the way he did,” Ryans said. “Just a reall productive day by him, and he stayed after it. I loved his energy from start to finish.”

Sacks were the headline of Anderson’s performance in Foxborough, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. The former No. 3 overall pick finished with eight tackles, including four tackles for loss and added one pass breakup, which led to an Eric Murray interception.

His sacks and tackles for loss both ranked first across the NFL last week, while his tackles led the team and tied for the most among defensive linemen league-wide. Entering Week 7, Anderson leads the NFL with nine tackles for loss and ranks fifth in sacks with seven.

https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1846590231094440029

Anderson’s honor marks the second time this season and the ninth occurrence in franchise history a Texan has been named Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks. The accolade stands as the 60th time a Texan has been named Player of the Week and the 21st time a defensive player has garnered the honor.

Houston has now claimed Player of the Week honors in four of its first six weeks, the most in the NFL and most in team history through Week 6.

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. joins elite class in win over Patriots

Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is well on his way to winning the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year honor in 2024.

Will Anderson Jr. was always expected to be the foundational piece of DeMeco Ryans’ defense when the Houston Texans traded up nine spots in the 2023 NFL Draft to select him third overall.

Some would argue the former Alabama edge rusher was destined to be this era’s J.J. Watt down off NRG Drvie, though even that’s a high compliment for someone just transitioning to the next level.

On Sunday, Anderson might have taken a step toward being the official heir of the three-time Defensive Player of the Year and a favorite to win the award himself this fall.

Anderson picked up three sacks against  New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye in the Texans’ 41-21 victory at Gillette Stadium, a first for the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year.

“Proud of Will, massive game for him to be able to get off the quarterback the way he did,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Three sacks, also forced an interception there by [Eric] Murray. Just a really, really productive day by him and he stayed out there. Loved his energy, right? From start to finish. He came out.”

On top of three sacks, Anderson also added a tackle for loss against running back Antonio Gibson in the second quarter. Murray’s interception was caused by a batted pass at the line scrimmage after Anderson won his one-on-one battle against New England’s offensive line.

With his performance, Anderson joined Watt as the only player in franchise history to record three sacks, four tackles for loss and a pass deflection in a game. Watt hit the marker twice during his 10-year career with the Texans after being drafted out of Wisconsin in 2011.

While he doesn’t rank among the top three, Anderson’s 5.5 sacks are tied for fifth-most entering Week 7, alongside Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby. His nine tackles for loss currently lead the NFL, as does his 28 QB hits.

Watt, who finished with a franchise-leading 101 career sacks, won Defensive Player of the Year in his second season after totaling 20.5 QB takedowns. Anderson needs 15 more to surpass the total and performances like Sunday could help him reach the goal.

‘The Texans travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday at noon CT.