Texans' playoff hopes hinge on key player health. Will a battered roster overcome the Steelers' formidable pass rush and defensive threats?
The Houston Texans heading into a Monday night playoff game at Acrisure Stadium is already a daunting task. Doing it with a roster that looks like a walking MASH unit makes it feel like an uphill climb through a Pittsburgh blizzard.
But as the final Friday injury report dropped ahead of the January 12 Wild Card clash, the narrative shifted from "panic" to "guarded optimism." Here is my take on why the Texans' health will decide if this nine-game winning streak lives to see the Divisional Round.
The Secondary: A High-Stakes Gamble
The headline of the week was the health of the Texans' cornerbacks. For a few days, it looked like DeMeco Ryans would have to defend Aaron Rodgers and a returning DK Metcalf with a skeleton crew.
- Kamari Lassiter: After a concerning "Did Not Participate" on Thursday, Lassiter’s return to a limited session on Friday is the biggest win of the week. He has already told reporters, "If I can walk, I can play." Against a Steelers offense that just got Metcalf back from suspension, the Texans need Lassiter’s physicality to prevent Rodgers from picking them apart.
- Derek Stingley Jr.: Seeing Stingley upgraded to a Full Participant on Friday with that nagging oblique injury is a massive sigh of relief. Stingley is the only person on this roster capable of erasing Metcalf. If he’s 100%, the Texans' defense remains the elite unit that carried them to the AFC South title.
The Trenches: Protecting the Future
While the secondary is the flashiest concern, the offensive line is where this game will be won or lost. C.J. Stroud has been spectacular, but even he can’t outrun T.J. Watt (who, unfortunately for Houston, practiced in full despite a lung issue) if his tackles are compromised.
The status of Tytus Howard (Ankle) and Trent Brown (Ankle/Knee) remains the most "Texans" drama of the season. Both were limited on Friday. In a stadium as loud as Acrisure, any hitch in their get-up or lateral movement is an invitation for Watt and Alex Highsmith to ruin Houston's night. If Howard isn't near full strength, Ryans may have to keep a tight end in to chip all night, effectively neutering the explosive passing game that got them here.
Gritty Over Healthy
The only definitive "out" seems to be Jawhar Jordan, who is battling a high-ankle sprain. Losing backfield depth hurts, but this team has lived on the "Next Man Up" philosophy since their 3-5 start.
The Friday report shows a team that is banged up, bruised, and exhausted—but crucially, it shows a team that is showing up.