HOUSTON — The Houston Texans have ruled safety Justin Reid out for their Week 3 match against the 2-0 Carolina Panthers Thursday night at NRG Stadium.
Reid sustained a knee injury during Sunday’s 31-21 loss to the Cleveland Browns and did not participate in practice since Monday. With Reid out, the Texans will start Lonnie Johnson in his place at safety.
For a team currently averaging 282.0 passing yards and 22.5 points through the first two games, Houston’s defense will have a hefty task trying to slow down the Panthers without Reid.
The 24-year-old defensive back has arguably been Houston’s best player at the start of the season. Reid has already recorded two interceptions and one force fumble — making the most out of his talents amid his contract season.
“That interception he had the other day [against the Browns], we were in a typical zone, one of our signature cover two defense, safety is reading the quarterback, excellent break,” defensive coordinator Lovie Smith said. “He’s capable of those type plays. If you just look at skill set, he’s got great speed, he’ll hit you, he’s a smart player, he’s got a lot going for him.”
“Maybe my favorite play that he made Sunday against the Browns was our safeties also have to be able to tackle and to be able to, to take the ball away there are based on a big hit. He can do a lot of things well.”
In addition to Reid, the Texans will also be without quarterback Tyrod Taylor (hamstring) and cornerback Terrance Mitchell (concussion).