Houston Texans Face Challenges as Key Players Deal with Injuries

Importance of Joe Mixon

The Houston Texans have seen a significant boost in their offensive performance since Joe Mixon returned from an injury, playing a pivotal role in the team’s three recent games. With the Texans now grappling with injuries to top receivers, Mixon’s role may become even more crucial in the upcoming match.

On Sunday, Stefon Diggs suffered a non-contact injury to his right knee, which has raised concerns about his availability. Coach DeMeco Ryans has chosen to keep details regarding Diggs’ condition under wraps, mentioning that he is still undergoing evaluation.

In addition to Diggs, the Texans will miss leading receiver Nico Collins, who is sidelined for at least another week due to a hamstring injury after being placed on injured reserve.

Mixon’s Performance

In his last three appearances, Mixon has managed to rush for over 100 yards and score a touchdown in each game, concluding with 102 rushing yards and a touchdown during Houston’s 23-20 victory over Indianapolis. Ryans praised Mixon’s contributions, stating, “Joe showed up big time for us when we needed him most making plays.”

Mixon, now in his first season with the Texans following a trade from Cincinnati, has made history by being the first player in the NFL to record at least 100 rushing yards and a touchdown in four of his first five games with a new team. The only exception was during Week 2 when he sustained an ankle injury that put him out for three games. Currently, he ranks third in the NFL, averaging 100.6 rushing yards per game.

Potential Adjustments in Passing Game

In the event that Diggs cannot play this week, Tank Dell is expected to step up in the wide receiver role. Despite a remarkable rookie season with 709 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, Dell’s performance has seen a decline this year, totaling just 229 receiving yards thus far. He did score his second touchdown of the season in the recent victory, contributing to the Texans’ record of 6-2 and their lead in the AFC South.

Ryans expressed the necessity of a collective effort to maintain the effectiveness of the Texans’ passing game, ranked eighth in the NFL. “What I loved about our game was that you saw multiple guys stepping up and making plays,” Ryans commented. “That is what excites me the most about our team.”

Defensive Strengths

Houston’s defense has been formidable, ranking second in the league for the fewest yards allowed per game, at an average of just 280.3. A standout feature of the unit is their pass defense, allowing only 164.3 yards per game. Safety Jalen Pitre credited the defensive line for its contributions, which ranks third in the league with 27 sacks. “The D-line does their job at a high level, and it forces quarterbacks to release the ball sooner, leading to incompletions and turnovers,” he stated.

Areas Needing Improvement

Despite strong defense, the offensive line has faced challenges in pass protection. Although quarterback C.J. Stroud was only sacked twice, he was hit nine times, demonstrating significant pressure during 57.5% of his drop-backs, according to NextGen stats. The coaching staff made changes by benching left guard Kenyon Green in favor of Jarrett Patterson, but Patterson was forced to exit the game due to a concussion, leading to Green’s return. Ryans acknowledged the need for ongoing evaluations to bolster the offensive line’s performance.

Player Highlights

Dell, now in his second season, recorded four receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown in the recent game. His performance is particularly noteworthy considering a previous game against Green Bay where he did not register any catches despite being targeted multiple times. Dell’s nine career touchdowns now tie him with Will Fuller for the most touchdowns in franchise history through a player’s first 18 games. Stroud expressed admiration for Dell’s hard work, emphasizing the necessity for him to make significant contributions moving forward.

Injury Updates and Key Statistics

In terms of injuries, safety Calen Bullock was limited during practice after suffering a shoulder injury. Linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o, both absent from the Colts game due to injuries, might return soon. Meanwhile, Jimmie Ward is likely to miss his fifth consecutive game due to a groin injury.

A critical statistic to note is that Houston’s defense held quarterback Anthony Richardson to an astonishingly low completion percentage of 13.3% during the first half of the last game, marking one of the lowest in decades. He completed just 2 of 15 passes before halftime.

Looking Ahead

With a short preparation time ahead of their upcoming game against the New York Jets on Thursday night, the Texans aim to secure their fifth win in six games, pushing toward a successful season.