The Houston Texans are facing some major challenges as they navigate through the NFL season. Wide receiver Nico Collins, who has been a standout player leading the league in receiving yards, has been placed on injured reserve. This is a big blow to the team as they will have to find a way to replace his production on the field.
But it’s not just Collins that the Texans are missing. Running back Joe Mixon, who was injured on an illegal hip drop tackle in Week 2 against the Bears, has yet to return to practice. Mixon had a strong start to the season, with 30 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown in the opener. His absence has definitely been felt on the field.
While Mixon continues to sit out of practice, his backup Dameon Pierce is slowly working his way back from a hamstring injury. The Texans are hopeful that Pierce will be able to contribute soon and help fill the void left by Mixon’s absence.
In addition to the absence of key offensive players like Mixon and Collins, the Texans are also dealing with injuries on the offensive line. Left guard Kenyon Green, left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and right tackle Tytus Howard all missed practice due to various injuries. This is certainly a concerning situation for the Texans as they try to protect their quarterback and create openings for their running backs.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Texans were missing some key players as well. Defensive end Derek Barnett, linebacker Jake Hansen, cornerback Kamari Lassiter, safety Jimmie Ward, and wide receiver Robert Woods all did not practice due to injuries. This is a lot of firepower to be missing from the defensive unit, and the Texans will need to find a way to overcome these setbacks.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs and linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips were limited in practice, with Diggs getting some much-needed rest and Phillips dealing with a hip injury. The Texans will be hoping that both players can recover quickly and get back to full strength to help the team on the field.
Overall, the Texans are facing a myriad of challenges as they try to navigate through a tough season. With key players like Collins and Mixon out with injuries, and a number of other players dealing with various ailments, the Texans will need to dig deep and find a way to overcome these obstacles. It’s going to be a tough road ahead, but the Texans are determined to fight through the adversity and come out stronger on the other side.
