Injury Report: Texans’ Growing Injury List Raises Stakes For Upcoming Game Against Giants

The Houston Texans received the Tank Dell news everybody in Houston wanted Wednesday. They also received a reminder that getting healthy in one area does not mean the rest of the roster is suddenly whole.

Tank Dell was a full participant in Houston's first official Week 7 practice as he prepares for his long-awaited return Sunday against the New York Giants. But seven Texans did not practice Wednesday because of injuries, including Azeez Al-Shaair, Reed Blankenship, Trent Brown, Blake Fisher, David Montgomery, Jalen Pitre and Dalton Schultz. 

So, yes, celebrate Dell, but Houston has some work to do before Sunday.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans already confirmed earlier this week that Dell will play against New York. Wednesday's full participation is another encouraging step toward making that return a reality. 

Dell has been designated for return from injured reserve, and Houston has spent the past several weeks gradually increasing his practice work. 

Now comes the disappointing part.

The part of Wednesday's injury report that concerns me most is the secondary.

Pitre did not practice because of his shoulder injury, while Blankenship was sidelined with concussion and hand issues. 

Houston survived without Pitre in its 34-31 victory over Jacksonville, but losing multiple safeties would force the Texans to continue testing their depth.

Calen Bullock already stepped up in London, recording his first interception of the season. Kamari Lassiter led the Texans with eight tackles while adding a pass defensed. 

Houston might need another big afternoon from that young secondary on Sunday. The interesting wrinkle is who will be throwing against it.

New York coach John Harbaugh confirmed Wednesday that J.J. McCarthy will start against Houston.  That should immediately put pressure on Houston's pass rush to make McCarthy uncomfortable.

Houston also had both Trent Brown and Blake Fisher miss Wednesday's practice. Brown is dealing with a wrist injury, while Fisher has a thumb injury. Brown moved to full participation on Thursday's practice.

Injuries on the offensive line are worth monitoring because C.J. Stroud is finally finding his rhythm.

Stroud is coming off a 312-yard, three-touchdown performance in London in which he completed 24 of 34 passes and found 10 different receivers. Houston produced 426 total yards in the victory. 

This is not the week to allow protection problems to return, since the Texans have a bye week following.

With Dell coming back, Jaylin Noel coming off a 107-yard performance and Houston's passing game finally producing explosive plays, the offensive line needs to give Stroud enough time to use all those weapons.

Tank Dell practicing fully is the headline Texans fans wanted. But Wednesday's injury report should keep everybody from getting too comfortable.

Houston is 2-4. It has won two straight. I have said this before, beat New York and the Texans enter their Week 8 bye at 3-4 with legitimate momentum.

This is not the time to limp toward the week off. Get Dell involved without forcing him. Protect Stroud. Attack New York's offensive line and make McCarthy uncomfortable before he has a chance to settle in.

The Texans spent September trying to survive. October has become about recovering. Sunday is their opportunity to prove this two-game winning streak is becoming something bigger.