Tag: Will Anderson Jr. 2024

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 provide update on DE Will Anderson Jr.

The Houston Texans could be without their leading sack artist entering Week 10’s matchup at NRG Stadium.

The Houston Texans are in wait-and-see mode with defensive end Will Anderson Jr. entering Sunday night’s matchup against the Detroit Lions.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said the second-year defensive end would be “evaluated closely” throughout practice to determine his status for the matchup against the NFC North favorites.

“We’re still evaluating Will,” Ryans said Monday. “We’ll see how he progresses throughout the week.”

Anderson, October’s AFC Defensive Player of the Month, left during halftime in Thursday night’s loss against the New York Jets with an ankle injury. When trying to tackle running back Breece Hall, linebacker Neville Hewitt landed on Anderson’s left ankle.

While Anderson tried to return to the game — and did partially during the second quarter with the ankle heavily tapped —he was ruled out before the start of the third quarter. Houston’s defense allowed three touchdown passes to Aaron Rodgers en route to an 8-point victory.

Houston’s sack leader must return if it plans on slowing down the Lions’ offensive line. Detriot, which secured a 10-point victory on the road at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers, has allowed 18 sacks through eight games.

The Lions have allowed the league’s fifth-fewest pressures (85) this season.

“They have a lot of good players, a lot of good young players that are exhibiting that mindset and that culture,” Ryans said. “It is a really good team coming in here this week and we are very excited about the matchup.“ 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. 

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.

Texans: DE Will Anderson Jr. ‘good to go’ vs. Colts

Will Anderson Jr. might have missed a month of practice, but the second-year defensive end is “good to go” for Sunday’s contest.

Will Anderson Jr. doesn’t need a medical report to confirm what he already knows. The Houston Texans’ second-year defensive end is back at practice for the first time in over a month.

He’s back for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts, too.

“Of course, of course, of course,” Anderson assured reporters when asked if he planned to play at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Anderson, who had been dealing with an ankle injury, was a full participant in practice. His name didn’t appear on the injury report, meaning he’s medically cleared to go full speed through drills.

As a roster, only defensive back M.J. Stewart remains absent from practice in any capacity. It’s a sign that Houston should be about at 99.9 percent full strength when the team takes on their AFC South foe.

“Excited about all our guys out there available working,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Excited about the work that we put in today.”

https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1831419387896852627

Anderson’s impact differs from most. The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year is a staple of a potent Houston pass rush that looks to improve after totaling a franchise-record 46 sacks in 2023.

Anderson, who led all rookies in pressures (64) and quarterback hits (22), was responsible for seven sacks, though that number could have been higher if he hadn’t missed two games. The Texans are expecting a breakout season from their J.J. Watt heir-apparent entering Year 2 opposite of four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter.

When at its peak, Ryans believes the duo has an opportunity to consistently “wreak havoc” on Sundays.

“In any passing situations, their ability to disrupt the pocket, disrupt the quarterback, that’s what excites me. If we want to play really good on defense when they’re passing the football, those two guys have to impact the game for us. If they show up and impact the game, it’ll be easier for our guys on the back end.”

Anderson would tend to agree with the second-year coach and fellow Alabama graduate.

“That’s why (Danielle’s) here. That’s why I’m here,” Anderson said. “I know he’s going to wreak havoc. He’s going to do his thing. I’m gonna have his back, and I’m gonna go out there and do the same thing.”

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.