The Houston Texans aren’t back to full strength yet, but they could gain an essential part of their defensive depth in the trenches for Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions on NBC.
Cornerback Jeff Okudah was cleared to return to practice for the first time in months on Monday. Here’s what happened and his current status entering Sunday Night’s matchup at NRG Stadium.
Jeff Okudah injury update
Okudah, one of Houston’s defensive additions this offseason, was placed on injured reserve after he aggravated a hip injury against the Indianapolis Colts. Serving as Houston’s No. 3 cornerback, Okudah was used in multiple formations opposite Derek Stingley Jr. and in place of the young Kamari Lassiter.
Houston elected to activate Okudah’s 21-day window to be restored to the active roster. The team will have until Nov. 25 to decide if they’ll bring him back to the 53-man squad or return him to the injured reserve for the remainder of the regular season.
Jeff Okudah stats
Drafted by the Lions out of Ohio State in 2020, the former No. 3 overall pick only recorded one tackle before being placed on the IR back in Week 1. A former All-American, Okduah played in 13 games last season for the Atlanta Falcons and had 44 tackles and three pass deflections.
DE Jerry Hughes and CB Jeff Okudah have returned to practice and been Designated for Return.
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 4, 2024
Since leaving Columbus, Okudah has played in 38 games and has 31 career starts under his belt. He’s recorded 168 career tackles, two interceptions with one returned for a touchdown.
Texans CB depth chart
With Okudah out, it’s been a rotation of talent behind Lassiter and Stingley. Here’s the rest of the defensive ends on the active roster:
- Derek Stingley Jr.
- Kamari Lassiter
- D’Angleo Ross
- Kris Boyd
- Ka’Dar Hollmon