Derek Stingley Jr. Names Garrett Wilson as His Toughest Cover Yet - and He Might Be Back Just in Time for Week 16
Since entering the league as the No. 3 overall pick in 2022, Derek Stingley Jr. has seen his fair share of elite wideouts. The Houston Texans cornerback has squared up against some of the NFL’s best, but when asked to name the toughest assignment he’s faced, Stingley didn’t hesitate: Garrett Wilson.
That insight came during a November appearance on NightCap, when Chad Johnson posed the question. Stingley’s answer was immediate - and came with a story that stuck with him.
“I've always said Garrett Wilson with the Jets,” Stingley said, recalling a moment that predates both of their NFL careers. “I remember the first time I went against him, we were at some high school camp.
It was an opening or something like that. Ryan Clark was actually my coach.
Garrett, he ran like a slam, bro.”
Stingley was in a deep zone, playing about 15-20 yards off, thinking he had the angle on the ball. But then came the moment that made Wilson unforgettable.
“The ball is thrown so high, and I’m thinking it’s coming right to me. He jumps up so high, catches the ball, just runs, and I’m just looking at you like, ‘Yeah, that’s good.’”
That kind of playmaking is exactly what’s made Wilson a bright spot in an otherwise rocky stretch for the Jets. Despite the team’s struggles, Wilson has emerged as one of the league’s premier receivers - a fact reinforced by the four-year, $130 million contract extension he signed back in July.
That’s not just money for potential. That’s money for production.
And for Stingley, who’s known for his sharp instincts and elite coverage skills, the fact that Wilson stands out speaks volumes.
Texans Hope Stingley Suits Up in Crucial Week 16 Matchup
Stingley’s respect for Wilson is clear - but right now, the focus in Houston is whether the star corner can take the field in Week 16.
He’s officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders due to an oblique injury. After missing practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, Stingley returned Friday in a limited capacity. That’s a promising sign for a Texans team in the thick of the playoff hunt.
According to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, there’s “renewed optimism” around Stingley’s availability. He was spotted working out on the side with trainers during the team’s final practice session - a sign that the Texans are hopeful he’ll be able to go.
Stingley hasn’t missed a game all season, and his presence in the secondary has been a major part of Houston’s defensive resurgence. His ability to lock down top receivers has allowed the Texans to get creative up front and bring pressure in key moments. If he’s able to suit up Sunday, that could be a difference-maker in a game with major postseason implications.
He’s not the only one the Texans are monitoring. Running back Woody Marks (ankle) was also seen working with trainers and is listed as questionable. Other names on the injury report include linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (ankle, knee), defensive lineman Darrell Taylor (ankle), wide receiver Christian Kirk (illness), running back Nick Chubb (ribs), and wide receiver Justin Watson (calf).
With playoff positioning on the line, Houston’s depth will be tested. But if Stingley’s trending toward playing, that’s a huge boost for a defense that’s going to need every bit of firepower it can muster.