The Texans are getting healthier at just the right time - and that includes one of their biggest defensive playmakers.
Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., fresh off earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, was back on the practice field Wednesday in a limited role. He’d been held out Tuesday with an oblique injury, but his return - even on a restricted basis - is a good sign for Houston heading into Saturday’s matchup with the Chargers.
Stingley hasn’t missed a game all season, and his presence in the secondary has been a difference-maker. His ability to lock down receivers and create turnovers has helped fuel the Texans’ playoff push.
Joining him in limited work was safety Kamari Lassiter, who’s dealing with foot and knee issues. Like Stingley, Lassiter has started all 15 games this year, and his availability is key to maintaining continuity in the back end of the defense. The rookie has proven to be a reliable presence, and the Texans will be hoping this is just precautionary maintenance as they prepare for Week 17.
The front seven, however, is dealing with a few more bumps and bruises. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, and defensive end Dylan Horton were all limited with various lower-body injuries.
That’s a trio the Texans rely on heavily in both run defense and pass rush, so their status will be worth monitoring closely. Rankins has been a disruptive force inside, while Al-Shaair leads the team in tackles and brings a physical edge to the linebacker corps.
Several players did not practice at all, including linebackers Jake Hansen (chest) and Jamal Hill (calf, wrist), right tackle Trent Brown (ankle, knee), left tackle Aireontae Ersery (thumb), and defensive lineman Denico Autry (knee). That’s a concerning list, especially on the offensive line, where Brown and Ersery have been anchoring the edges. The Texans have already dealt with injuries up front this season, and losing both tackles would be a major test for their depth.
On a more positive note, a handful of players were full participants, suggesting they’re trending toward being ready for Saturday. Running back Woody Marks (ankle), cornerback Ajani Carter (hamstring), long snapper Austin Brinkman (knee), defensive lineman Darrell Taylor (ankle), wide receiver Justin Watson (calf), and tight end Dalton Schultz (knee) all practiced without limitation. Schultz’s return, in particular, could be a boost for the offense - he’s been a reliable target in the middle of the field and a key safety valve for the Texans’ quarterbacks.
Houston will release official injury designations for the Chargers game on Thursday, but for now, the return of Stingley and Lassiter - even in a limited capacity - gives the Texans reason for optimism. With playoff implications on the line, every healthy body matters, and Wednesday’s practice showed some encouraging signs.