The Houston Texans announced their inactives ahead of their Week 11 matchup against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, and the list included a few key players whose absence could determine their fate. Rookie cornerback Derek Stingley was listed among the players who will not participate in the tile, along with newly signed running back Eno Benjamin and former third-round pick Amari Rodgers, who were added to the Texans roster this week via waivers.
Check out the complete list of players here:
Today’s inactives for #WASvsHOU pic.twitter.com/cMCSVBiwIB
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 20, 2022
Others who will be held out of this week’s action are tight end Brevin Jordan, linebacker Neville Hewitt, defensive lineman Thomas Booker, and offensive lineman Austin Deculus. These players will have to wait for Houston’s next game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 12 to get their next opportunity to see the field.
The most impactful loss this week is clearly Stingley, who has put together a solid 2022 campaign for the Texans in his rookie season. In his absence, Houston’s secondary is likely to struggle against the Commanders’ impressive cast of offensive skill position players who can take the top off of the defense on any play.
It is less surprising that Benjamin and Rodgers were listed as inactive, though fans certainly would’ve enjoyed a peek at the new talent that the Texans acquired. Benjamin would have a hard time getting enough snaps to would warrant his inclusion given rookie Dameon Pierce’s usage as the team’s bell-cow back, and with star receivers Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins back in the mix, Rodgers would’ve likely been buried on the depth chart.
Houston is the underdog in this matchup after Washington managed to knock off the then-undefeated Philadelphia Eagles last week, and for good reason. The Texans will need to put together a truly special performance to even come close to securing their second win of the season in Week 11.
