The Houston Texans are in wait-and-see mode with defensive end Will Anderson Jr. entering Sunday night’s matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said the second-year defensive end would be “evaluated closely” throughout practice to determine his status for the matchup against the NFC North favorites.
“We’re still evaluating Will,” Ryans said Monday. “We’ll see how he progresses throughout the week.”
Anderson, October’s AFC Defensive Player of the Month, left during halftime in Thursday night’s loss against the New York Jets with an ankle injury. When trying to tackle running back Breece Hall, linebacker Neville Hewitt landed on Anderson’s left ankle.
While Anderson tried to return to the game — and did partially during the second quarter with the ankle heavily tapped —he was ruled out before the start of the third quarter. Houston’s defense allowed three touchdown passes to Aaron Rodgers en route to an 8-point victory.
Houston’s sack leader must return if it plans on slowing down the Lions’ offensive line. Detriot, which secured a 10-point victory on the road at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers, has allowed 18 sacks through eight games.
The Lions have allowed the league’s fifth-fewest pressures (85) this season.
“They have a lot of good players, a lot of good young players that are exhibiting that mindset and that culture,” Ryans said. “It is a really good team coming in here this week and we are very excited about the matchup.“
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
