Texans Injury Update: Kamari Lassiter Returns, Depth Tested on Defensive Line
HOUSTON - As the Texans gear up for Sunday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, they got a key piece of their secondary back on the field. Starting cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who’s been managing a foot injury, returned to practice Thursday and is trending toward resuming his full role this weekend.
That’s a big development for a Houston defense that’s leaned heavily on its young corners all season. Lassiter’s return adds stability to the back end, especially with All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. still sidelined by an oblique issue. Stingley missed his second straight practice Thursday, and while there’s still a shot he could return for Friday’s session, his availability for Sunday remains uncertain.
The injury report this week has been a mixed bag for Houston. Several key defenders were back on the field Wednesday, though most were limited.
Middle linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (ankle, knee), defensive end Denico Autry (knee), defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (knee), and linebacker E.J. Speed (knee) all saw limited work.
The lone exception was offensive tackle Trent Brown, who practiced fully despite a broken finger - a good sign for a Texans offensive line that’s been juggling personnel all season.
On the offensive side, starting running back Woody Marks also missed his second consecutive practice with an ankle injury. Like Stingley, there’s still a window for a Friday return, but it’s something to keep an eye on as the Texans finalize their game-day roster.
In more encouraging news, running back Nick Chubb was upgraded to full participation after dealing with a rib injury that kept him out of the Arizona game. Chubb looked healthy in his return to practice Wednesday, and he’s expected to be a full go on Sunday. He shared early reps with Jawhar Jordan, who made a splash in his NFL debut last week, rushing for 101 yards and earning a promotion to the 53-man roster.
Jordan’s emergence gives Houston a promising one-two punch in the backfield, especially if Marks isn’t ready to go. Chubb brings the veteran presence and downhill power, while Jordan adds a burst of speed and fresh energy that could be a difference-maker late in the season.
But the biggest concern right now is on the defensive interior. The Texans are running thin at defensive tackle after losing Mario Edwards Jr., Tim Settle Jr., and Foley Fatukasi to season-ending injuries.
That leaves the team with a starting duo of Tommy Togiai and Rankins, and a reliable veteran backup in Naquan Jones. Beyond that, the depth chart gets murky.
The fourth defensive tackle spot this week is expected to come from the practice squad. The Texans recently signed Marcus Harris, a former seventh-round pick out of Auburn, and have three other options they could elevate: Haggai Ndubuisi, Junior Tafuna, and Marlon Davidson.
Davidson brings the most NFL experience, while Ndubuisi, a 6-foot-8, 340-pound international player, is the biggest body on the roster. Tafuna, a standout from Utah and a former Senior Bowl invitee, impressed during the preseason and could be in line for his first regular-season action.
One wrinkle the Texans could lean into: Denico Autry’s versatility. The veteran pass rusher has the ability to slide inside and disrupt from the interior, giving defensive coordinator some flexibility in how he deploys his front four.
With the playoff race tightening, the Texans are in a stretch where depth and adaptability will be tested. Getting Lassiter and Chubb back is a boost. But with Stingley and Marks still up in the air, and the defensive tackle room down to its final options, Houston’s margin for error is shrinking - and their resilience is about to be put to the test.