The Houston Texans are already down potential All-Pro receiver Nico Collins on offense.
They could be down even more on defense for Sunday’s trip to Lambeau Field.
Cornerback Kamari Lassiter (shoulder), safety Jimmie Ward (groin), defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (shoulder), linebacker Azeez-Al Shaair (knee) and linebacker Henry To’oTo’o (concussion) were all out with injuries during Thursday’s practice. Lassiter and Ward did not play last week and aren’t expected to play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
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Barring a last-second change, Fatukasi, Al-Shaair and To’oTo’o likely won’t play, either. While the Texans are expected to have back defensive lineman Denico Autry, he might not start until Week 8 when Houston takes on Indianapolis at home.
Keep in mind that the Texans are also without starting defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr., who was suspended for four games earlier this week after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
So, what does that mean? At a minimum, five starters will miss Sunday’s contest. At maximum, the total is seven.
That’s not ideal since the Packers remain one of the league’s more explosive offenses entering Week 7 behind MVP-caliber quarterback Jordan Love. The second-year starter has only played in two games, yet ranks second in passing touchdowns with 12.
“Going against Jordan Love this week, it will be the best quarterback we’ve seen this year,” Texans coach DeMeo Ryans said. “So, it’ll be a really, really tough matchup, really good team.”
Love, who inked a four-year mega extension this offseason, is heating up. He threw four touchdown passes in a 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals last week, including two to No. 2 target Romeo Doubs.
If the Texans are down all those players, depth becomes a liability. Special teams linebackers Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen will perform double duty. The same goes for cornerback D’Angelo Ross in place of Lassiter. Rookie Calen Bullock also could see 100% of reps at safety.
The Texans also recently reinstated Kurt Hinish from the injured reserve after trading away running back Cam Akers on Tuesday. He’s been a full participant in practice and could start in place of Fatukasi.
Houston could contract on offense with the return of Dameon Pierce and Pro Bowler Joe Mixon. The two set the tone on the ground in Sunday’s 41-21 win over the New England Patriots after averaging over 7.5 yards per carry.
Mixon, who led the NFL in rushing yards after Week 1, totaled 132 yards and two touchdowns. Pierce rushed for 76 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown.
Kickoff
