The Houston Texans' season has been defined, in part, by the injuries that have held them back. They entered the season with Super Bowl expectations, which still remain. They are 6-3 through nine games played and are coming up on a brutal matchup against the Detroit Lions.
The squad is without star wide receiver Stefon Diggs -- who is out for the rest of the season with an ACL tear. Superstar wide receiver Nico Collins has missed four games on Injured Reserve, and might not quite be ready to return against the Lions.
To make matters worse for Houston, superstar defensive end Will Anderson Jr. has now been listed as a non-participant while being sidelined at practice on Thursday.
Anderson’s Injury Update
Houston Texans fans collectively gasped when star defensive end Will Anderson Jr. left last Thursday’s game against the New York Jets with an ankle injury. Anderson didn’t practice all week and will miss Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions, according to the Texans’ injury report, released Friday.
Earlier in the week, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said he thought Anderson was progressing.
“He’s doing well,” Ryans said at Wednesday’s press conference. “We’ll see where he ends up.
Anderson won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, recording seven sacks, 29 solo tackles and 22 quarterback hits in 15 games. Through nine games in 2024, Anderson has notched 7.5 sacks and 27 tackles.
Needless to say, Anderson’s presence will be missed against Detroit’s stout offense.
Lions Offense Poised to Strike
The Lions rank first in the NFL in scoring offense (32.3 points per game) and are seventh in yards per game (369.6). They’re also second in the NFL with 14 rushing touchdowns.
What's Next For Texans
Watching the game statuses roll out for Houston on Friday will be crucial as it'll make a big difference to how they match up against the Lions. The Texans are facing challenges in their defense ahead of a crucial game against the Lions, and Anderson's absence would significantly impact their performance. The team needs to strategize effectively to compensate for key injuries.
The Texans defense will need to find a way to step up without their star player, Anderson, who is a major force on the Texans' defense line. Running back Dameon Pierce was also a non-participant for a second straight practice.
The Texans need to find a way to slow down the Lions' explosive offense, which is led by quarterback Jared Goff. If they can't, they could be in for a long night.
The Future is Uncertain
Anderson's status will depend on his participation in Friday's walk-through. If he is unable to practice, the Texans will have to prepare for the game without their key defensive player. Anderson's ankle injury is a big blow to the Texans, who are already dealing with a number of other injuries. It will be interesting to see how they perform without him.
Sunday’s game between the Lions and Texans will begin at 8:20 p.m. ET.
