The Houston Texans are riding high heading into Week 16-and with good reason. After dismantling Arizona in a 40-20 win on Sunday, the Texans have now rattled off six straight victories and are firmly in the AFC playoff mix. At 9-5, they currently hold the No. 7 seed, and with three games left, they’ve got everything to play for-whether that’s a division crown or a wild card berth.
But even in the midst of this hot streak, the Texans took a significant hit on the defensive side of the ball. Veteran defensive tackle Mario Edwards suffered a torn pectoral in the win over the Cardinals and will miss the remainder of the 2025 season. It’s a tough loss for a Houston defensive front that’s already been tested by injuries.
Edwards wasn’t a starter, but he played a key role in the rotation-especially with both Folorunso Fatukasi and Tim Settle Jr. already on injured reserve. His absence further thins a defensive interior that’s been holding its own despite the attrition. Expect the Texans to elevate a player from the practice squad to help fill the void, but the depth chart is undeniably getting lighter at a crucial stretch of the season.
The good news? Not all of Sunday’s injury updates were grim.
Running back Woody Marks and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. both left the game with injuries, but according to head coach DeMeco Ryans, neither issue appears to be serious. The team will continue to monitor both players throughout the week, but early signs suggest they’ll be available moving forward.
With momentum on their side and a playoff spot within reach, the Texans are entering the final three weeks of the regular season with confidence-but also with a few challenges to navigate. The defense will need to find answers up front, and the team can’t afford any more major injuries as the postseason race heats up.
Still, this is a team that’s found ways to win, week after week. And if they can keep that rolling into January, Houston could be a tough out for anyone in the AFC.