Tag: Will Anderson Jr.

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. adds to DPOY case with strip sack against Tua Tagovailoa

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. reached double digit sacks for the first time with a strip sack of Tua Tagovailoa.

The Houston Texans’ defense continued their streak of creating takeaways after the bye week.

Second-year defensive end Will Anderson Jr. defeated his block and chased down Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from behind, stripping the ball loose and resulting in a recovery by defensive tackle Tim Settle.

Houston’s defense has forced a turnover in nine consecutive games, starting in Week 6 against the New England Patriots. In the nine-game span, Houston has 22 takeaways.

Anderson’s sack is the second of the game for Houston, who did not record one in its 23-20 win over Jacksonville before the bye week. For the second-year pro, Anderson reached double-digit sacks for the first time in his career.

This season, Anderson has 10.5 sacks through 12 games. Teammate and fellow Defensive Player of the Year candidate Danielle Hunter leads the team with 11 sacks after picking up a half sack earlier in the game against Miami.

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 vs. Jaguars injury report: Latest updates, news for Thursday

Here’s the injury report from Thursday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Here are the full injury reports from Thursday’s practice for the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of their Week 13 matchup at EverBank Stadium:

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

Did not practice

  • LB Yasir Abdullah (hamstring)

Limited participation 

  • CB Tyson Campbell (shoulder)
  • QB Trevor Lawrence (non-throwing shoulder)

Full practice

  • RB Tank Bigsby (ankle)
  • OL Brandon Scherff (knee/shoulder)

Houston Texans (7-5)

Did not practice

  • DT Folorunso Fatukasi (foot)
  • DB Jalen Pitre (shoulder)

Limited participation 

  • LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee)
  • DE Will Anderson Jr. (ankle)
  • DE Denico Autry (knee/oblique)
  • WR Xavier Hutchinson (shoulder)

Full practice

  • OT Blake Fisher (concussion)
  • DB Jimmie Ward (knee)

* Bold indicates an upgrade from Wednesday’s practice.

Note: TE Teagan Quitoriano was moved from the injury report to the injured reserve on Thursday morning. 

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans vs. Jaguars injury report: Latest updates, news for Wednesday

Here’s the injury report for Wednesday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Here are the full injury reports for the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of their Week 13 matchup at EverBank Stadium:

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

Did not practice

  • LB Yasir Abdullah (hamstring)

Limited participation 

  • CB Tyson Campbell (shoulder)
  • QB Trevor Lawrence (non-throwing shoulder)

Full practice

  • RB Tank Bigsby (ankle)
  • OL Brandon Scherff (knee/shoulder)

Houston Texans (7-5)

Did not practice

  • DE Denico Autry (knee/oblique)
  • DT Folorunso Fatukasi (foot)
  • DB Jalen Pitre (shoulder)
  • DE Will Anderson Jr. (ankle)

Limited participation 

  • LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee)
  • OT Blake Fisher (concussion)
  • WR Nico Collins (rest)
  • OL Shaq Mason (rest)
  • DB Jimmie Ward (knee)
  • OT Laremy Tunsil (rest)
  • WR Xavier Hutchinson (shoulder)
  • TE Teagan Quitoriano (knee)

Full practice

N/A

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

 

Texans receive best news possible on Will Anderson Jr.’s status for Week 12

Will Anderson Jr. was a full participant during Friday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans.

Will Anderson Jr. is back. That’s good news for the Houston Texans and bad news for the Tennessee Titans.

The second-year defensive end returned to practice on Wednesday and hasn’t missed a day. He was a full participant during Friday’s walkthrough and is expected to play on Sunday when Tennessee arrives for an AFC South showdown at NRG Stadium.

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

Anderson, the reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Month, left during the first quarter of Week 9’s loss to the New York Jets on “Thursday Night Football” with an ankle injury. While he returned three different times for four plays in the second quarter, Houston elected to rest him for the second half.

He hasn’t played since. The Texans went 1-1 during that span with a comeback loss against the Detroit Lions and a double-digit victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

Fully healthy, he comes back at the right time to help Houston potentially clinch a 5-0 record in the division before the bye week following a showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 1.

“I’m excited to be back,” Anderson told reporters Friday. “Just to be back out there with the guys. I was trying my best to hurry up and get back. I’m good now.”

It’s a long shot, but a surging December could put Anderson back in the running for Defensive Player of the Year recognition. He had 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss through the first nine weeks, both ranking among the top three.

Although the pass rush will welcome Anderson back with open arms, four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter has picked up the slack in the former Defensive Rookie of the Year’s absence.

Hunter, who leads the NFL in pressures and had two sacks in the win over the Cowboys on Monday, is now tied for the team lead in sacks with Anderson.

Houston (7-4) is also expected to be without Denico Autry, who’s missed practice all week with a knee injury suffered in Arlington. Defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, who missed Monday’s matchup in the Lone Star Showdown, isn’t expected to play because of a knee injury.

The Titans (2-8) have allowed the fifth-most sacks this season with 33. Second-year quarterback Will Levis often holds the ball for too long, leading to the eventual 27 sacks recorded.

Kickoff between the AFC South foes is scheduled for noon CT.

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.