Texans Monitoring Key Injuries Ahead of Showdown with Chiefs
HOUSTON - As the Texans prepare for a pivotal Week 14 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, several key players are navigating the injury report - and none bigger than starting cornerback Kamari Lassiter.
Lassiter, who’s been a steady presence in Houston’s secondary all season, hasn’t practiced this week due to a foot injury. While he managed to finish last Sunday’s win over the Colts, his status for this weekend remains up in the air.
There’s optimism he could still suit up, but the team is proceeding with caution. The good news?
The injury isn’t considered season-ending.
Lassiter has started every game this season for the 7-5 Texans, and his production speaks for itself: 66 tackles, two interceptions, and 10 passes defensed. He’s been a key figure in a defense that’s helped Houston stay in the playoff conversation. If he’s unable to go, the Texans are expected to turn to Tremon Smith to line up opposite All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr.
Houston did add some depth this week by claiming cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram off waivers from the Buffalo Bills - a move that could prove timely if Lassiter isn’t ready by Sunday.
Woody Marks Shows Grit in Rookie Campaign
One of the breakout stories of the season for the Texans has been rookie running back Woody Marks, and his toughness was on full display last weekend. After leaving the game early with what was initially thought to be a foot injury - later clarified as an ankle issue - Marks returned to help seal the 20-16 road win over the Colts.
Marks led the team with 64 rushing yards on 19 carries and showed the kind of resilience coaches love. Head coach DeMeco Ryans praised the rookie’s mentality and ability to push through pain, saying, “That’s what you talk about - the injuries, the getting nicked up in the game, toughing it out, coming back, battling and wanting the football at the end of the game to close it out.”
Marks was visibly limping after his second drive and went into the medical tent for evaluation. But after a quick test run on the sideline under the watchful eye of team trainer Roland Ramirez, he got the green light and returned to finish the game strong.
When asked about the possibility of being sidelined, Marks didn’t hesitate: “Out for the game? Oh, no, I ain’t never out for the game.
No matter what. No matter what the situation is, I ain’t never out.”
Through 12 games, Marks has rushed for 486 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 188 receiving yards and two more scores. He’s quickly become a key piece in Houston’s offensive identity.
Texans Getting Healthier in the Trenches
The Texans also got some encouraging signs on the defensive front. Pro Bowl edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. returned to practice after missing a day with chest and shoulder issues.
Anderson’s presence off the edge has been crucial to the Texans’ pass rush, and getting him back on the field is a big boost heading into a game where pressuring Patrick Mahomes is priority No. 1.
Veteran defensive lineman Denico Autry also returned to practice after dealing with a knee injury, while offensive tackle Trent Brown was back in action as well. Brown has been managing a broken finger for several weeks, and the team has been careful with his workload - typically giving him a day off to limit wear and tear.
On the other hand, defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. didn’t practice again due to a foot injury, and both safety Jaylen Reed and linebacker Jamal Hill have already been ruled out for Sunday’s game.
Ryans Confident in Team’s Resilience
Despite the injury concerns, DeMeco Ryans remains confident that key contributors like Marks, Anderson, and Lassiter will be ready to go when the Texans host the Chiefs. With playoff implications on the line and one of the league’s most dangerous offenses coming to town, Houston will need all hands on deck.
This team has shown grit all year - whether it’s rookies like Marks stepping up, or veterans grinding through injuries - and Sunday’s game will be another test of their depth, toughness, and playoff mettle.