The Houston Texans’ first injury report of Week 5 came with a few real surprises, and the biggest one landed at the top of the list.
All-Pro edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. was a non-participant on Wednesday with an ankle issue, giving Houston a notable concern as it prepares for Sunday’s matchup with the Tennessee Titans. It was not a rest day for Anderson, and the injury designation makes his status one to watch closely over the rest of the week.
That’s a significant development for a Texans defense that would be taking a major hit without its top pass-rusher. If Anderson can’t go, Jadeveon Clowney would be in line for a bigger workload.
Houston’s report was lengthy overall, with 10 players either limited or held out. Among the other absences, linebacker Jamal Hill did not practice because of a knee issue, while tackle Trent Brown was out for rest.
The rest of the Texans who were active at least got some work in, and there were a few encouraging signs mixed into the report. Azeez Al-Shaair returned as a limited participant after sitting out Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys with a groin injury, a positive step for Houston’s starting middle linebacker and defensive captain.
There was also movement from three players who had recently been on injured reserve and were back on the field for the first time since training camp: rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, veteran offensive tackle Braden Smith and wide receiver Tank Dell. All three were limited, and their progress through the rest of the week will help determine whether they’re ready for Sunday.
The Texans’ full list also included Nico Collins limited for rest, Jadeveon Clowney limited with a knee issue, Logan Hall limited with a knee issue, Nate Thomas full with an illness, M.J. Stewart full with a knee issue, and Wade Woodaz full with a thumb issue.
Tennessee had its own share of notable names on the report. The Titans were without edge rusher John Franklin-Myers, cornerback Marcus Harris, safety Amani Hooker, running back Tony Pollard and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
Simmons, an All-Pro defender, was out with a back injury and would be a major loss for Tennessee’s defensive line if he’s unable to play. Hooker, who is dealing with a concussion after last weekend’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, also looks like a real question mark.
Pollard’s situation appears a bit less certain, and there’s at least some reason for optimism there. The Titans also had tight end David Martin-Robinson full with a hamstring issue, cornerback Joshua Williams full with a pec issue and safety Kevin Winston Jr. limited with a shoulder issue.
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