The Houston Texans are preparing to take on the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday with a mix of both positive and concerning updates on their roster. Texans rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter, is expected to play after recovering from a scapula fracture, a rare football injury typically involving the back of the shoulder blade. Lassiter, who was a second-round pick out of Georgia, made a fast recovery to complete three practices without a setback, lining up with the first-team defense all week. "So, getting a starting-level defensive back, back into full force and the toughness and competitiveness that he brings and happy for him," Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said, according to Click2Houston.
However, the Texans will be without team captains Azeez Al-Shaair and Jimmie Ward who are sidelined with a knee injury and a groin injury, respectively. Al-Shaair is out for his second game in a row after signing a three-year, $34 million free agent deal, and a leader on the defense. Ward, a starting safety, is out for his third consecutive game. Meanwhile, rookie Calen Bullock is expected to start opposite Eric Murray, bolstering the secondary in their absences, as reported by Texans Wire.
Adding to the concerns, linebacker Henry To’oTo’o has returned to the injury report after missing last week’s game and might not be cleared to play following a relapse in his recovery from a concussion. Wide receiver Robert Woods and Steven Sims Jr. are both back at practice, with Woods limited due to plantar fasciitis in his foot and Sims participating fully following back spasms that kept him out of the Green Bay game.
In terms of defensive maneuvers, Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen are expected to start once again, with Hewitt coming off a strong performance against the Green Bay Packers that included a 45-yard interception return and leading the team with nine tackles. "Obviously, Nev, big play in the first drive. A lot of tackles, physical player for us," Burke shared with Click2Houston.
On the other side of the field, the Colts also have several players nursing injuries, including defensive end Gernard Avery and linebacker Jaylon Carlies, who didn't practice according to the injury report rundown by Texans Wire.
