Texans' Grit Faces Its Biggest Test Yet as Injuries Mount Ahead of Chargers Clash
The Houston Texans have been one of the NFL’s most compelling turnaround stories this season. After an 0-3 start that had many writing them off, they’ve rattled off seven straight wins to surge to 10-5 and put themselves in prime playoff position. But as the postseason comes into view, the physical toll of their bruising, all-in style of football is catching up with them - and fast.
Heading into a crucial Saturday matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Texans are dealing with a wave of injuries that could reshape both their game plan and their identity. This isn’t just a test of depth - it’s a full-blown stress test of head coach DeMeco Ryans’ “Next Man Up” culture. And if Houston finds a way to win this one, it’ll say as much about their toughness as it does their talent.
Offensive Line Depth Tested to the Limit
Let’s start in the trenches - because that’s where things are getting dicey.
Rookie left tackle Aireontae Ersery, who’s been one of the breakout stories of the season, underwent surgery this week to repair a broken thumb. He’s expected back eventually, possibly playing with a protective club on his hand, but he’s out for Saturday.
That alone would be a problem. But add in the fact that veteran Trent Brown is also sidelined with knee and ankle issues, and suddenly C.J.
Stroud’s blindside is looking dangerously vulnerable.
If both tackles are unavailable, the Texans will likely turn to Blake Fisher - a young backup being asked to hold the edge against a Chargers pass rush with playoff implications on the line. That’s a tall order, especially when the stakes are this high.
The offensive strategy will almost certainly need to pivot. Expect quicker reads, shorter drops, and more rhythm throws to keep Stroud upright. The Texans can’t afford to let their franchise quarterback take unnecessary hits - not with the postseason within reach.
Defense Dealing With a Star-Studded Injury List
On the other side of the ball, the injury report reads like a who’s who of Houston’s defensive core.
Derek Stingley Jr. (oblique), Kamari Lassiter (foot), Sheldon Rankins (knee), and Denico Autry (knee) all missed practice this week. While some of these absences are being framed as precautionary, the reality is that having your top two corners and key pieces of the defensive front unavailable during game week is far from ideal.
This isn’t just about depth - it’s about chemistry. Stingley and Lassiter have been instrumental in locking down opposing wideouts, while Rankins and Autry bring veteran presence and pass rush punch up front. If they’re limited or out, it forces younger players into high-leverage roles against a Chargers offense that, while inconsistent, still has dangerous weapons.
Backfield Reinforcements Bring Hope
The good news? The Texans’ backfield is finally getting healthy at the right time.
Rookie running back Woody Marks, who missed last week’s win over the Raiders with an ankle injury, was a full participant in practice. With Nick Chubb and Jawhar Jordan also ready to roll, Houston suddenly has a three-headed monster in the backfield - and that couldn’t come at a better time.
When your offensive line is patchwork and your quarterback’s protection is compromised, the run game becomes more than just a change of pace - it becomes your lifeline. Expect the Texans to lean heavily on the ground attack, not just to move the chains, but to control tempo and keep their defense off the field.
A Gut-Check Moment in a Season Full of Them
This weekend’s game against the Chargers isn’t just another stop on the Texans’ playoff push - it’s a defining moment. With so many key players banged up, this will be less about flash and more about grit.
C.J. Stroud won’t need to put up video game numbers.
What Houston needs is poise under pressure, smart decision-making, and a team that rallies around its depth. If they can pull off a win in L.A. with this many bodies in the training room, it won’t just solidify their playoff credentials - it’ll stamp them as a team nobody wants to see in January.
The Texans have already proven they can fight their way out of a hole. Now we’ll see if they can survive the climb.