Texans sidelined by concussion, Bills miss key receivers. Key starters out will dramatically reshape Thursday's pivotal AFC matchup.
The Houston Texans (5-5) are set to host the Buffalo Bills (7-3) for a pivotal AFC matchup on Thursday Night Football. With a short week for preparation, the final injury reports reveal both teams will be without key contributors, potentially impacting the game's dynamic significantly.
Here is a breakdown of the key players listed on the final injury reports for Week 12.
Houston Texans: Quarterback and Safety Ruled Out
The Texans will once again be without two major starters on both sides of the ball due to concussion protocol.
QB C.J. Stroud (Concussion): Ruled Out. Stroud, who returned to practice in a limited capacity on Tuesday, will miss his third straight game. The short turnaround for Thursday night did not provide enough time for him to clear the protocol. Davis Mills is expected to make his third consecutive start.
S Jalen Pitre (Concussion): Ruled Out. The starting safety will also miss his third straight game as he continues to recover from a concussion sustained in Week 9.
LB Jamal Hill (Hamstring): Ruled Out after not participating in practice all week.
There is some positive news for Houston. Several key players were trending up, which is a big boost for the home team. Wide receiver Nico Collins (Ankle), tight end Dalton Schultz (Shoulder), and kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (Right Quad) all progressed to full participation and are expected to play. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (Ankle) and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (Knee/Illness) were both limited but appear on track to play, as their final game statuses were not listed as of the last update.
Texans Key Player Status:
- WR Nico Collins | Ankle | Expected to Play (Full Practice)
- K Ka'imi Fairbairn | Right Quad | Expected to Play (Full Practice)
Buffalo Bills: Offensive Weapons Missing
The Bills' offense will be severely shorthanded in the passing game, as three receiving threats have been officially ruled out.
TE Dalton Kincaid (Hamstring): Ruled Out. The talented tight end will miss his second game, removing a key target for Josh Allen.
WR Curtis Samuel (Elbow/Neck): Ruled Out. Samuel missed practice all week and will be unavailable.
WR Mecole Hardman Jr. (Calf): Ruled Out. Hardman, who sustained the injury in his Bills debut, will also sit out.
The loss of Kincaid, Samuel, and Hardman will force quarterback Josh Allen to rely heavily on other targets against a stout Texans defense.
Questionable and Good News for Buffalo include Defensive tackles Phidarian Mathis (Shoulder) is listed as Questionable after progressing to limited participation. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir was away for personal reasons (the birth of his child) but is reportedly expected to be available for the game. On a positive note, the Bills saw a host of previously limited players upgraded to full participants for Wednesday's practice, meaning they should be a full-go for TNF.
Bills Key Player Status
- LB Shaq Thompson (Hamstring)
- C Connor McGovern (Ankle)
- CB Christian Benford (Groin)
- S Jordan Poyer (Vet Rest)
- DT Phidarian Mathis | Shoulder | Questionable
- LB Shaq Thompson | Hamstring | Expected to Play (Full Practice)
Implications for Thursday Night
The final report sets up a matchup where both teams' offenses are dealing with significant absences. The Texans, though without their starting QB, have found success with Davis Mills and look to have their top wide receiver and tight end healthy. The Bills, meanwhile, will lean on Josh Allen to overcome the loss of three key receiving options, putting more pressure on wideouts like Gabe Davis and the recently returned Khalil Shakir.