Key Texans sidelined, but reinforcements emerge as C.J. Stroud sits out again. Can Houston overcome injuries and claim victory?
The Houston Texans announced their final round of injury updates yesterday afternoon, as they prepare for a pivotal week 11 road game on Sunday afternoon against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.
Key Players Out, Reinforcements In
At this point, it is common knowledge that Texans starting quarterback C.J. Stroud will be missing his second consecutive game due to a concussion.
Missing along with him will be defensive back Jalen Pitre (concussion), kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (right quad), cornerback Damon Arnette (ankle) and tight end Harrison Bryant (neck/shoulder).
On a positive note, Houston does have some reinforcements on the way in the form of linebacker Christian Harris, offensive lineman Tytus Howard and the confirmation that starting tight end Dalton Schultz will be playing in spite of being designated with shoulder and illness issues throughout the week.
There are others who are trending towards playing, although they are deemed questionable until further notice. That would include players like fullback Jakob Johnson, offensive lineman Ed Ingram and returning tight end Cade Stover (missing since week one due to a broken foot).
Scheduling Benefits
The Texans actually are catching a scheduling break by facing Tennessee on Sunday. After stunning the Jaguars last Sunday in come from behind fashion, this injured squad could benefit from a struggling opponent in the Titans who are in line for the #1 overall pick in the 2026 draft.
Although the Roundtable has already mentioned the concern for this being a "trap game" earlier this week, backup quarterback Davis Mills has expressed an increase in "confidence and comfort" that would serve him and the team well in not suffering from a letdown in performance.
The prospect of finally crossing the .500 threshold is also a great motivator, as the Texans are trying to keep pace with teams in the AFC playoff race like the Steelers, Chiefs, Jaguars, and Chargers. Stacking wins regardless of how they look is the priority of most teams in the league at this point in the season, and injuries are no excuse.
More Than Enough To Win
Houston still has playmakers on both sides of the ball to lean on against Tennessee, including the offensive rookie trio of running back Woody Marks and wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Marks and Higgins each scored a touchdown against the Jaguars, while Noel went 4-4 on receptions for 35 yards.
On the defensive side, they still have All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., as well as arguably the best pass rushing duo in the league with defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. patrolling the trenches.
Hopefully the Texans can both win against Tennessee while also getting healthier for next Thursday. For, Houston follows up this road game against the Titans with a Thursday Night primetime matchup at NRG next week against quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills (6-3).
At 5-5, Houston will then have a chance to win three games in a row for the first time this season in the lead up to their Bills faceoff.
In the meantime, it is of vital importance for the Texans to handle the business in front of them on Sunday and take things one day at a time from there.
Do you think Houston is in good shape heading into tomorrow's game? Are you confident that more help is on the way after the Titans matchup?
Let us know in the comment section below or on the official Texans Roundtable X account (@Texans_RTB)!