(This story was updated to add new information.)
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.
Defensive end Jerry Hughes was cleared to practice first time in four weeks on Monday afternoon. Here’s what happened and his current status entering Sunday Night’s matchup at NRG Stadium.
Jerry Hughes injury update
Hughes, 36, was placed on the injured following Week 4’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a hip injury. The veteran had been limited in his play time, often used on pass-rushing downs late in games.
Houston elected to activate Hughes’ 21-day windows 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.
Jerry Hughes stats
Entering his third season with the Texans, Hughes only recorded one tackle before being placed on the IR back in September. A former first-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts, the Pro Bowl defensive end led Houston with nine sacks in 2022.
A native of Sugar Land and former TCU star, Hughes has totaled 70 career sacks, 480 tackles, 142 quarterback hits and 19 forced fumbles.
DE Jerry Hughes and CB Jeff Okudah have returned to practice and been Designated for Return.
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 4, 2024
Texans DE depth chart
With Hughes out, former 2023 fourth-round pick Dylan Horton has seen an expanded role in Houston’s defensive front. Here’s the rest of the defensive ends on the active roster:
- Will Anderson Jr.
- Danielle Hunter
- Denico Autry
- Dylan Horton
Autry is coming off his best outing in Texans’ uniform after totaling two sacks and a tackle for loss in Thursday’s 21-13 loss against the New York Jets.
Anderson, who left Thursday’s game with an ankle injury, is currently on pace to win Defensive Player of the Year after totaling 7.5 sacks in eight games. He also led the NFL with 11 tackles for loss entering Week 9.
Barnett has been an ideal No. 3 option this season. In Thursday’s loss, the former first-rounder totaled three pressures and a tackle.