While the Houston Texans will trot out C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins and a handful of other starters on Friday night, not every projected first-team player will see the field.
According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter (ankle) and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) will not play against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium after missing a week of practice.
Other starters not expected to dress include offensive tackle Tytus Howard (minor knee injury), offensive Laremy Tunsil (offseason knee scope), defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. (calf), cornerback Desmond King (groin), Christian Harris (calf), receiver Noah Brown (strained shoulder), and tight end Brevin Jordan.
Tytus Howard (knee), Kamari Lassiter (ankle), Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) and Tim Settle Jr. (calf) injuries are not regarded as serious or long-term. #Texans precautionary early in preseason with several key players, including Joe Mixon (quadriceps), Christian Harris (calf), etc. https://t.co/j2xpZpfCsf
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 9, 2024
Anderson and Lassiter likely weren’t expected to play since they hadn’t practiced in over a week. According to Wilson, neither is expected to miss an extended period and should be cleared for the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
The same goes for Howard, who left practice early under his own pressure on Tuesday afternoon in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. The Texans are thin at offensive tackle, so losing Howard before Week 1 would be a worst-case scenario for the reigning AFC South champions.
Rookie Blake Fisher will start at left tackle in place of Tunsl, but offensive guard Nick Broeker looks to be the favorite to start in place of Howard. He’s worked in reps with the starters during training camp when Howard left the field for medical assistance.
Stefon Diggs and Kamari Lassiter. #Texans pic.twitter.com/4cLaa67yBz
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) July 27, 2024
Lassiter is the only cornerback expected to be out. Former first-round pick Jeff Okudah also won’t suit up. He missed Wednesday’s practice, though it’s not expected to be a lingering injury.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
