Availability is everything at this point in the NFL season, especially for teams still in search of their second win like the Houston Texans. This team has reached new levels of ineptitude in 2022, and down their most promising prospect Derek Stingley Jr. in Week 12, got trounced by the Miami Dolphins.
Head coach Lovie Smith commented on Stingley’s absence on Monday after the 30-15 beating, telling reporters that injuries are one of the harsh realities of life in the league.
“It’s tough when you lose your one corner, but that’s life in the NFL too,” Smith said. “Guys get hurt. Can’t wait to get him back. I didn’t like the way we started yesterday, but in the second half I thought the guys did a little bit better job of covering and competing a little bit better on some of the passes.”
Pass defense will be at a premium this week against the Cleveland Browns, who are likely to start a new quarterback in the matchup. If Houston intends to experience the sweet taste of victory after their brutal slide to 1-9-1, Stingley’s inclusion in the starting lineup would give them a major leg up on containing Cleveland’s star receiver Amari Cooper on the boundary.
While one defensive player rarely makes the difference in the outcome of an entire game, Stingley just might be able to break that mold if he is able to make it onto the field against the Browns. Houston will be at a major disadvantage if they aren’t at full strength for this tilt and could be doomed to their tenth loss of the season without all hands on deck to contain Cleveland’s offense.
In a game where their pride is on the line, watch for the Texans to be extra chippy and ready for battle in Week 13.
