Dalton Schultz’s status is looking bleaker by the moment heading into Sunday’s contest against the Chicago Bears.
For the second consecutive afternoon, the veteran tight end did not practice, putting his status as questionable for the Houston Texans’ home opener on NBC.
Schultz caught three passes for 16 yards in Week 1’s 29-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
If Schultz is unavailable, the Texans will lean on tight ends Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover. Both players saw action in Sunday’s victory at Lucas Oil Stadium, with Stover even taking reps at fullback for the first time in his career.
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“Special shout-out to Stover,” running back Joe Mixon said postgame. “He made critical blocks. … I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a fullback in front of me. It’s a hell of a feeling, man.”
If needed, Houston could also elevate Chris Myarick from the practice squad to fill his void.
Running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring), receiver Nico Collins (illness) and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs (groin) all were limited participants during drills. Defensive back M.J. Stewart (knee) also did not practice for the second consecutive day this week.
For Chicago, four players missed practice due to injury, including receivers Rome Odunze (knee) and Keenan Allen (heel).
Drafted ninth overall out of Washington, Oduzne suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain and is currently day-to-day. Allen, who reaggravated a heel injury in Sunday’s win over the Titans, was expected to return Thursday.
His status for Sunday’s game is now in jeopardy.
D.J. Moore was one of three receivers who practiced without issue, joining second-year target Tyler Scott and returner DeAndre Carter. Like John Metchie III, Scott was a healthy scratch in Sunday’s home opener. Carter, who previously played in Houston, played 13 total offensive snaps in place of Odunze.
Offensive linemen Ryan Bates (shoulder/elbow) and fullback Khari Blasingame (hand/knee) did not practice.
Fellow offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie (quad) was limited in drills. Defensive tackle Zacch Pickens, who didn’t play in Week 1 due to a groin injury, was a full participant at practice while defensive end DeMarcus Walker (ankle) also returned to practice in limited fashion.
Veteran Mercedes Lewis had a rest day.
Chicago Bears
| Player | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game Status |
| WR Keenan Allen | heel | DNP | DNP | ||
| OL Kiran Amegadjie | quad | LP | LP | ||
| OL Ryan Bates | shoulder/elbow | LP | DNP | ||
| FB Khari Blasingame | hand/knee | LP | DNP | ||
| TE Marcedes Lewis | veteran rest day | — | DNP | ||
| WR Rome Odunze | knee | DNP | DNP | ||
| DL Zacch Pickens | groin | LP | FP | ||
| DL DeMarcus Walker | foot | DNP | LP |
DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation; FP: Full participation