The Houston Texans are within the thick of the playoff hunt. Nonetheless, the harm bug might derail their postseason aspirations.
Aaron Wilson of KPRC-TV in Houston reported rookie edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. shouldn’t be anticipated to play Sunday towards the Tennessee Titans, and it is unclear when he’ll return. The third general decide of the 2023 NFL Draft suffered a excessive ankle sprain in a Week 14 loss to the New York Jets (5-8), hasn’t practiced and was noticed sporting a strolling boot.
By 13 video games, Anderson Jr. is third on the workforce in tackles for loss (eight), tied for first in QB hits (19) and second in sacks (5). As of Thursday, oddschecker locations him inside its prime 10 Defensive Rookie of the Yr odds.
In the meantime, Houston rookie QB C.J. Stroud — who’s second within the league in passing yards (3,631) — continues to be in concussion protocol and won’t apply Thursday, per NFL Community insider Tom Pelissero. If he cannot play on Sunday, count on backup QB Davis Mills to fill in. The previous second-round decide has a 5-19-1 file as a starter.
The Texans (7-6) are eighth within the AFC, simply outdoors the playoff image. Their street matchup towards Tennessee (5-8) is pivotal. Per the New York Occasions Simulator, their postseason possibilities will improve from 35 p.c to 52 p.c in the event that they win; in the event that they lose, they lower to twenty p.c. Accidents to 2 of their finest gamers might have a significant impression. As of Thursday, oddschecker lists the Titans as a three-point favorite.
Houston wants different gamers to step up and contribute. In any other case, the chance that it’ll make its first postseason look since 2019 will proceed to dwindle.