The Houston Texans are now 6-3 following their 21-13 upset loss to the New York Jets on the Week 9 episode of Thursday Night Football. With quarterback CJ Stroud being held to just 191 yards passing with no touchdowns, the team couldn’t outduel Aaron Rodgers and the New York offense. But the loss to the Jets may not have been the biggest blow to Houston in the past week. They’re also dealing with major injuries to a few of their impact players – on both offense and defense.
If the Texans are to make their way to their first Super Bowl, they will need members of their current roster to step up. With the NFL Trade deadline looming, the Texans might also target a handful of players to fill some of their vacancies.
Texans’ Injuries Could Have a Huge Impact on a Potential Playoff Run
Receiving Star Gone for the Season
In his first year with the Texans, Stefon Diggs looked like a perfect fit for a team that needed one or two veteran playmakers. And he came through early in the season, as his pairing alongside emerging star Nico Collins came together. The duo teamed up to give Stroud a pair of playmakers.
That was until Houston’s 23-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7. With 2:01 remaining in the third quarter, Diggs tore his ACL on a non-contact play. On top of that loss, Collins has been sidelined with injuries as well, leaving the wide receiver corps thin.
“Hurts our team to hear that news,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said after the game. “[Diggs] been such an important part to our team and everything that he brought, not only on the field, but off the field. The energy, the leader, the way he worked every single day. Have to pick up the slack. A lot of guys have to step up and pick up the slack. Definitely praying for him.”
Texans Defensive Standout Hobbled
Defensive end Will Anderson, Jr. had been terrorizing opposing quarterbacks all season and has emerged as an elite pass rusher. He’s got 7.5 sacks through the first eight games. The NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, Anderson Jr. is a leader in a unit that currently ranks second overall, allowing opponents an average of 280.3. Only the Tennessee Titans are surrendering fewer yards per game.
Unfortunately, when the Texans faced off against the Jets, Anderson suffered an ankle injury and did not return to action. He’s still listed as questionable for this Sunday’s match-up against an NFC powerhouse, the Detroit Lions (7-1).
As far as any possibilities on the trade market, the Texans will likely eye a veteran receiver to fill the void left by Diggs’ injury. Names like Odell Beckham, Jr. and Robert Woods have been batted around by the media. Many critics and observers aren’t quite sure if the Texans will make a move in terms of personnel, or philosophy.
“A lot of teams are calling Houston about these three backups that they have that can’t get on the field,” NFL Insider James Palmer said recently. “Nico Collins is out at least one more week … Stefon Diggs [is] done for the year. That changes their thinking.
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