The Houston Texans return to NRG Stadium for an AFC South with the Tennessee Titans in Week 12, but one vital member of the defensive line could be out.
Defensive lineman Denico Autry suffered a lower-body injury during Monday’s win over the Dallas Cowboys. Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) has been improving, but Houston needs consistency in its pass rush if it plans on winning multiple playoff games.
Will Autry be good to go for Sunday’s showdown? Here’s the latest on the veteran multi-purpose defensive lineman entering Thursday.
Denico Autry injury update
Autry left during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium with a knee injury and was limited for most of the final 15 minutes. While he did return and was never ruled out by Houston, his rep count was scarce.
The 11-year pro didn’t practice on Wednesday. He also didn’t practice Thursday afternoon, which tends to be Houston’s most strenuous practice throughout the week and provides a better indication of a player’s status.
The Texans have had two players miss practice during the week and still play the following Sunday. Defensive tackle Foley Fatukaski missed practice and returned for Friday’s walkthrough before appearing in Week 7 and Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers and Lions, respectively.
Tight end Dalton Schultz didn’t practice in Week 2 with an ankle injury but managed to suit in a win over the Chicago Bears.
If Autry were to return on Friday for walkthroughs, it’s a sign that he’s not expected to miss multiple games. Houston also has been keen on keeping players out if they’re not at 100 percent.
Both receiver Nico Collins and defensive back Kamari Lassiter returned for Friday’s practice and did not play in Week 10 and 11, respectively.
How long will Denico Autry be out?
Everything is based on the severity of the injury. Should Autry not practice on Friday, he’ll at least miss Sunday’s matchup against his former team. If he misses the start of next week’s practice, he could be out through the bye week.
#Texans DE Denico Autry was not at practice today.
That injury he suffered on Monday might be a little of a concern for Sunday’s game.
But Will Anderson Jr. seems to be on track for Sunday.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) November 21, 2024
Denico Autry stats
The stats might fool you this late into the season, but Autry has been one of Houston’s most consistent defenders over the past five games. He was suspended the first six games for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy and did not return until Week 7.
In five games, Autry has totaled nine tackles, three sacks and 11 QB hits.
Texans DL depth chart
Autry could be out, but Anderson could be back. Even if both were to be cleared, here’s a look at the Texans defensive end depth chart entering Sunday’s battle between AFC South rivals.
-
Will Anderson Jr.
- Danielle Hunter
- Denico Autry
- Dylan Horton
- Jerry Hughes
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.
