Over the past three weeks, the Houston Texans have flipped the script on their season. After a rocky start, they’ve rattled off three straight wins to climb above .500 for the first time all year - and they’ve done it the hard way.
No CJ Stroud. No Jalen Pitre.
Just grit, execution, and a defense that’s been flying around the field like it’s playoff time already.
Both Stroud and Pitre were sidelined after suffering concussions in that gut-wrenching, last-second loss to the Broncos back in Week 9. But now, with the season entering its most crucial stretch, the Texans are getting healthy at exactly the right time. Stroud and Pitre are both back in uniform today as Houston takes on the Colts in Indianapolis - and truth be told, this might be the healthiest the Texans have been all season.
Here’s who won’t be suiting up for Houston today:
- Braxton Berrios
- Graham Mertz
- Jamal Hill
- Jarrett Kingston
- Laken Tomlinson
On the other side, the Colts’ inactive list doesn’t raise many eyebrows, but their offense is walking into this one a little banged up - and that’s something Houston’s defense will be looking to take full advantage of.
Daniel Jones is active, but he’s clearly not 100%. He’s been dealing with a fibula issue that’s kept Colts fans holding their breath all week.
He’ll give it a go, but with Houston’s pass rush playing some of its best football this season, Jones could be in for a long afternoon if that leg isn’t right. The Texans' front has been relentless lately, and if they smell blood in the water, they’ll bring pressure early and often.
Another late twist for Indy is standout rookie tight end Tyler Warren. He popped up on the injury report Saturday with flu-like symptoms and was a game-time decision heading into Sunday.
The Colts confirmed he’ll play, but how much he can contribute - and how close he is to full strength - remains to be seen. Warren’s been a key piece in the Colts’ offense this season, especially in the red zone, so his effectiveness could be a swing factor in this one.
Big picture, this game has serious implications in the AFC South race. If the Colts win, they move one step closer to locking up their first division title since 2014. But if Houston can walk into Indy and pull off the upset, they’ll be just one game back in the standings - with a rematch looming in Week 18 back in Houston.
So yeah, buckle up. This one could end up shaping the entire division down the stretch.