The Houston Texans secondary took quite the hit on Tuesday when it was announced that safety Tashaun Gipson was going to injured reserve.
The former Pro Bowler sustained a transverse process fracture in his back. Without Gipson starting alongside second-year safety Justin Reid, the Texans will have to rely more on Jahleel Addae to fill the void.
“He’s played quite a bit and done a nice job for us,” defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said of Addae on Wednesday .”We’ve used him in several different spots. So, I like what he brings to the table.”
Addae produced 42 tackles, two interceptions, and three pass breakups in his 16 games with the Texans, three of which he started.
With Gipson out of the lineup, the Texans will have to find a suitable replacement to cover tight ends. Crennel knows that only time will disclose the truth.
“Only time will tell, but he was a starter and he made plays in the game,” said Crennel. “He helped us, so we’ll have to see how that goes. We still have experienced players that can play on the back end and we’ll have to see how they play and if it impacts us positively or negatively.”
Gipson collected 51 tackles, three interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and eight pass breakups in his 14 games for Houston, all of which he started.
What Addae does bring to the secondary is playoff experience. With the Chargers franchise, the former 2013 undrafted safety from Central Michigan played in four postseason games, collecting 32 tackles, two for losses, forcing a fumble, and recovering another.
The Texans could use that level of playmaking when they take on the Buffalo Bills at 3:35 p.m. CT on Saturday at NRG Stadium. Houston seeks their first playoff win since Jan. 7, 2017, while the Bills are long-suffering after experiencing their last on Dec. 30, 1995.