The Houston Texans will go into Sunday’s trip to Nashville with only one player officially ruled out, and that’s wide receiver Tank Dell.
Dell’s status was the expected one after the Texans activated his 21-day window to return from injured reserve earlier this week. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before sitting out Friday’s session, leaving him unavailable for Week 5. Even so, his return remains a storyline to watch over the next few weeks, since Houston can activate him any time between now and Wednesday of the team’s Week 8 bye.
The more immediate boost for Houston comes on defense. Azeez Al-Shaair is off the injury report and cleared to play after missing last week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys with a groin injury.
He was a full participant on Friday, the final step needed before he was officially set for Sunday. That puts Houston’s starting middle linebacker and green-dot communicator back in his usual spot in the center of the defense, likely alongside either Jake Hansen or Kenneth Murray.
Beyond those two names, the Texans listed six players as questionable, though several appear to be trending in the right direction. Three offensive linemen - Blake Fisher, Ed Ingram and Aireontae Ersery - dealt with an illness that kept them out on Thursday, but all three returned to practice Friday and should be expected to play.
Houston also has three players returning from injured reserve who could make their season debut: safety M.J. Stewart, offensive tackle Braden Smith and rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. All three are viewed as potential activations for Sunday unless something changes.
Tennessee’s report is shorter, but one absence stands out. Safety Amani Hooker is out with a concussion he suffered in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens, leaving the Titans thinner in the secondary.
Rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate is also on the report with a back issue that popped up during practice this week. But Titans head coach Robert Saleh said Tate would be "good to go" for Sunday.
The Titans also listed tight end David Martin Robinson as questionable with a hamstring injury, and cornerback Joshua Williams as questionable with a pec injury.
Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. MT at Nissan Stadium, where one of these 0-4 AFC South teams will leave with its first win of the season.
In Other News...
Texans Suddenly Linked To A Receiver Move Fans Will Obsess Over
The receiver market just got a lot more interesting for teams with an eye on upgrading before the deadline, and Houston is suddenly being mentioned in the middle of it. Marvin Harrison Jr. has reportedly been informed by Arizona that he will be traded and will be inactive for the Cardinals' upcoming game, with ESPN insiders Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reporting the deal will not be completed until after Sunday's games.
For the Texans, the link is obvious enough to get attention, even if nothing has been confirmed. A move for a player with Harrison's profile would fit the kind of swing teams make when they think they are close, and it is exactly the sort of rumor that can take on a life of its own in Houston. For now, though, it remains speculation, with the actual destination still waiting to be revealed. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Suddenly Have A New Concern Ahead Of Titans Showdown
Aireontae Erserys status became a late-week concern for the Texans after the starting left tackle missed Fridays practice because of an illness ahead of Sundays matchup with the Titans. Houston is still searching for its first win of the season at 0-4, and any change up front is especially worth watching for an offense that has already had plenty to sort through.
Erserys availability is still uncertain, leaving the Texans with the possibility of having to reshuffle their offensive line on short notice. Against a Tennessee front that can make life difficult, Houston would prefer as much stability as possible in front of its quarterback, and this situation adds another layer of pressure heading into a game the Texans badly need to find a way to win. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Depth Chart Just Got More Complicated Before Titans Game
The Texans Week 5 preparation for Tennessee got a little busier after a flurry of roster moves that reshaped the bottom and middle of the depth chart. Houston activated second-round pick McDonald and veteran safety Stewart from injured reserve, then elevated Hall from the practice squad for his season debut as the team continues to sort out which pieces are ready to help right away and which are still being eased back in.
Houston also released Gronowski and Oliver from the 53-man roster, with both expected to land back on the practice squad, while Murray remains on the active roster and could factor into the defense with a starting role. For a team trying to settle its mix heading into a divisional game, the question now is less about who is available than how quickly all of these moving parts can be put into place. [Read more 🡒]