News Texans Team Notes

Texans waive former top running back

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As if the Houston Texans hadn’t made enough news coming from their RB corps, now it looks like the team will be operating with one less running back.

Texans waived RB Dameon Pierce.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 20, 2025

The same day they announce that RB Joe Mixon won’t play for the rest of the season (which, again, has been disputed by Mixon himself), the Texans have also made the decision to waive former star running back Dameon Pierce.

Pierce, who started out really well, who nearly reached 1,000 rushing yards (939) in his first season, never quite got back the spark he showed in his rookie year. His production totals dropped off steeply from that point. As of right now, he has run for exactly 26 yards on 10 carries.

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That he has barely seen the field this season did not speak well to his long-term prospects with the Texans, and Woody Marks’ performance this season has essentially made Pierce redundant.

It makes me sad, to be honest. I really thought after his rookie year, the Texans had found something special. But, alas, the world doesn’t work like that and here we are with Pierce now looking for an opportunity with a new team. I really hope he lands with someone, he deserves another chance to show what he’s capable of.

With Mixon’s injury of indeterminate length and Pierce’s waiving, the remaining RBs on the staff include Marks, Nick Chubb, Dare Ogunbowale, and British Brooks.

I think I speak for all of us here at BRB that we hope he gets his shot somewhere.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houston-texans-news/72686/texans-waive-former-top-running-back
 
Report: Joe Mixon out for the year (UPDATE)

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It is has been widely speculated that Joe Mixon was likely to miss the entire season with a mysterious foot injury. Now, it would appear that the Texans are finally acknowledging what has been speculated by people around the league and in press rooms in Houston and beyond. It would appear that the team will be stuck with Woody Marks and Nick Chubb as their primary ball carriers.

Sources: #Texans RB Joe Mixon is not expected to play this season as he deals with a foot injury from the offseason.

Mixon likely remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list through the season. Meanwhile, Houston moves forward with Nick Chubb and Woody Marks. pic.twitter.com/gr7E4QSIEO

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 20, 2025

Both DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio have been dancing around that concept all season long at press conferences and interviews on the team’s flagship station (610 AM). We still don’t know what the injury is and how he got it. We don’t know what the future holds beyond the 2025 season. As of now, Mixon will be under contract, but they may choose to move on if he is not physically able to perform

Whether the Texans make the playoffs or not will depend a lot on whether Woody Marks and Nick Chubb can remain healthy and productive. Obviously, there is room for discussion and potential criticism based on this news. Should the Texans have made other moves to buttress their roster given that Mixon was never going to play? What do you have to say.

UPDATE: Well, this is awkward. Ordinarily we don’t post tweets that contradict reporting because, for the most part, Ian Rapoport is pretty reliable. But when the person contradicting him is the subject of Rapoport’s tweet, well, you gotta make changes.

Now, I get everyone’s looking for splash news & clickbait… but I’m just curious, Ian how do you know more about me than me? 🤔

@peterjschaffer get yo mans bro. https://t.co/5G6e6rWtAT

⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) November 20, 2025

Which part of Rapoport’s tweet is incorrect is unclear. But if Mixon said it, well, it’s hard to argue with the man himself.

We’ll keep you posted as the story progresses.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/general/72664/report-joe-mixon-out-for-the-year
 
NFL Early Games Discussion Thread

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If you haven’t gotten over the Texans win against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, I can’t say I blame you. But just because the Texans are off today doesn’t mean football takes a day off. Here are week 12’s early game locations, brought to you by 506 Sports.

Here’s who will be playing in your part of the world.

CBS SINGLE GAMES

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Red: Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs (Announcers: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo; Referee: Alex Moore)
Dark Blue: Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears (Announcers: Ian Eagle, J.J. Watt; Referee: John Hussey)
Green: New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals (Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green; Referee: Land Clark)
Yellow: New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens (Announcers: Andrew Catalon, Charles Davis, Jason McCourty; Referee: Clete Blakeman)
Orange: LATE GAME
Light Blue: LATE GAME

FOX EARLY GAMES

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Red: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (Announcers: Joe Davis, Greg Olsen; Referee: Carl Cheffers)
Blue: New York Giants at Detroit Lions (Announcers: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma; Referee: Craig Wrolstad)
Green: Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans (Announcers: Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston; Referee: Ron Torbert)

Enjoy the games, y’all.

Go Texans!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houston-texans-discussion/72767/nfl-early-games-discussion-thread
 
Sunday Night Football; Buccaneers at Rams discussion thread

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American Hero Case Keenum. | Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

And here we are, at the end of another week of football (MNF excluded), and it might not be a bad matchup. Tonight, we have the Baker Mayfield Bowl as Mayfield’s current team (the Bucs) face off against the Rams (his former team) in the house that avarice built, SoFi Stadium.

Here’s what you need to know to watch tonight’s game:

Who: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4) at Los Angeles Rams (8-2)

What: Sunday Night Football

Where: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA

When: Sunday, November 23, 7:20 p.m. CST

Why: Because if they don’t play we have an unbalanced schedule and nobody wants that.

TV: NBC, Universo

Radio: Westwood One

Streaming: Fubo*, Hulu + Live TV*, NBC Sports, NFL+*, Peacock*, SlingTV*, YouTubeTV* (*subscription required)

Enjoy the game, y’all.

Go, Texans!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/gener...football-buccaneers-at-rams-discussion-thread
 
Houston Texans 2025 NFL Draft: Rookie Grades at Midseason

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The 2025 regular season has been quite and interesting one for the Houston Texans: they kicked off the season by going 0-3, practically left for dead by much of the football viewing public, and now have since gone 6-2, most recently defeating the mighty Buffalo Bills in the final seconds of Thursday Night Football. Recuperated and reenergized, the Texans have to thank multiple rookies for their return to playoff competition, but some have done more for the team than others. Which rookies have been the most important? In this draft class where offense was the clear focus, which of the many new players is most responsible for Houston’s improvement down the stretch? And, who’s most at fault for their slow start in September? Well, now that we’re squarely in the middle of the regular season, I think it’s about time to revisit the 2025 Class and grade them for their performance thus far. Here’s my midseason grades for every 2025 Houston Texans draftee:

Note: Back in April, I posted grades for each draft selection soon after the draft had concluded. If you’d like to see my first impressions of each draftee, click here. The grade’s for this post will be more predicated upon how much they’ve produced (and played) for the Houston Texans football team during the regular season.

Pick 1: Round 2 (34th Overall) – WR Jayden Higgins​

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  • Measurables: Height: 6’4”, Weight: 215lbs, Hand: 9 ½”, Arm: 33 ½”, 40-yard dash: 4.47s, Vertical Jump: 39”, Broad Jump: 10’8”
  • Rookie Statistics (As of Week 12): 11 Games (6 Starts), 27 Receptions on 45 Targets (60.0 Ctch%), 294 Yards, 4 TDs, 26.7 Yards per Game
  • Grade: B

Jayden Higgins was the Houston Texans’ first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, so even though they traded down to the second round to get him, Higgins arrived in Texas with expectations already through the roof. The Texans went through a revolving door of wide receivers towards the end of the 2024 season, so Higgins was seen as both a starter and a remedy to their lack of quality depth at the position. Unfortuneately, though, Higgins hasn’t been the immediate plus starter that many might had been hoping for. Higgins only had six targets in the first four games of the season, becoming just another also-ran during a time in which Houston’s offense melted down into an ugly mire. This is not Higgins’ fault by any stretch, but he also was not effective (or open) enough during that stretch to raise the passing offense up and above their abysmal state. Although, he still got at least one catch in every game, using those scant opportunities to prove his size and speed are NFL-caliber.

And then, the Houston Texans travelled to Baltimore in October to face the Ravens, and everything began to change. In that blowout victory, Jayden Higgins caught all four passes thrown his direction for 32 yards, signaling greater determination by Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley to get him involved. After this game, Higgins would see his role in the offense grow nearly every week, and by the time CJ Stroud went down with a concussion during the Denver Broncos game in week 8, Higgins had become one of his favorite targets. Then, when Davis Mills came in to fill-in for the injured Stroud, Higgins saw the attention put on him explode, with 23 targets in the last three games! Clearly, Caley was starting to really enjoy what he brings to a normally jittery Texans offense.

At multiple points of this season, Jayden Higgins used his smooth route acumen and catch radius to reel in big passes down the middle of the field. His ability to routinely come open in seam routes has become a favorite ploy of the offense, and has already reared its head in a few of his touchdown receptions. On top of that, while not as flashy as his catches, Higgins’ ability as a run-blocker also deserves some praise.

Back in April, Battle Red Blog’s Kenneth Levy had this to say of Jayden Higgins in his film review of the Iowa State receiver:

“As a young wide receiver, Higgins has the tools to become a high-end WR2 in the league. He pairs well with the current cast and has flexibility to play anywhere on the field. While other analysts compare him to Nico Collins or Drake London, he reminds me of a lesser Tee Higgins.”

Houston didn’t receive immediate, high-level production from Jayden Higgins, but his growing role in the offense bodes well for his role as a Texan. He’s become a reliable #2 option behind Nico Collins, with the potential to become much more with Stroud’s incoming return to the lineup.


Pick 2: Round 2 (48th Overall) – T Aireontae Ersery​

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  • Measurables: Height: 6’ 6” Weight: 331 lbs, Arm: 33 ⅛”, Hand: 9 ½”, 40-Yard Dash: 5.01s, 10-Yard Split: 1.75s, Vertical Jump: 29.5”, Bench Press: 25 Reps
  • Rookie Statistics (As of Week 12): 748 Snaps (444 Pass Blocking, 246 Run Blocking), 62.6 Pass Blocking PFF grade, 47.0 Run Blocking PFF grade, 5 Penalties (3 Accepted), 7 Sacks, 5 Hits, 18 Hurries
  • Grade: A

What a pick! When preparing for the draft, I heard a lot of talk about the great offensive linemen coming out of Ohio State, LSU, and Alabama. I certainly did not hear or read much at all about the Minnesota stalwart tackle Aireontae Ersery. While Ersery was still on many draft boards after finishing a senior season that contained a game where he locked up Abdul Carter and won Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, he was still a surprising selection when Nick Caserio took him 48th overall in the second round. He did not have the celebrity of a player like Josh Simmons, nor Kelvin Banks, nor Donovan Jackson, but Aireontae Ersery would end up being an unlikely day-one NFL starter, and arguably just as effective as those top selections.

Since becoming the starting left tackle after a failed attempt at playing him on the right side in the first game, Aireontae Ersery provided the highly debated Texans offense a quick cork to plug the gaping hole Laremy Tunsil left when he was traded to the Washington Commanders back in March. He’s got a long way to go before completely replacing Tunsil, but Ersery has shown his patience and stickiness in blocking is a force to be reckoned with. He’s even shown a level of speed and balance I was not expecting at the onset of his professional career, effectively driving back defenders like the 49ers’ defensive end Trevis Gipson and holding off Ravens’ defensive end Odafe Oweh.

Aireontae Ersery just played the best game of his career pic.twitter.com/3fUHh8MS17

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) October 28, 2025

Not all of the games have been pretty, though. In the NFL, some defenders have been able to trouble Ersery by bull-rushing straight through him, like Rams in week one and the Jaguars in week three. In total, PFF has credited Ersery with giving up 30 total pressures this season, a far cry from the lockdown tackle that Tunsil was for most of his Houston career. So, it hasn’t been all sunshine and roses on the quarterback’s blindside, yet, Ersery improves week after week, and when the Jaguars returned to Houston for the week ten rematch, Ersery had his revenge against Josh Hines-Allen:

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“I can’t say enough about Tae. He’s playing the toughest position in football. He’s gotten better each week. He’s locked in, doing his job the right way.”

– DeMeco Ryans on Aireontae Ersery who got some redemption vs Josh Hines-Allen after struggling in their first matchup https://t.co/qHcS3vafNN pic.twitter.com/jo2CyZgnRz

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) November 10, 2025

Nearly every week, Ersery takes another step towards being a complete left tackle. He’s not perfect, but he’s already more than capable just halfway through his rookie year. The Tennessee Titan’s edge rusher Arden Key showed last weekend that Ersery is still trying to figure out the bull rush, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and give this selection an A. When considering this pick in the context of how destitute Houston’s offensive line was after they had traded Laremy Tunsil and let go of both starting guards from the 2024 season, Ersery has done just about as well as anyone could have asked him in his first year in the pros. Thus far, he has been Nick Caserio’s most important selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Taking a risk on Ersery had to pay off, and it did in spades.


Pick 3: Round 3 (79th Overall) – WR Jaylin Noel, Iowa State​

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  • Measurables: Height: 5’ 10”, Weight: 194 lbs., Arm: 29 ½”, Hand: 8 ¾”, 40-Yard Dash: 4.39s, 10-Yard Split: 1.51s, Vertical Jump: 41.5”, Bench Press: 23 Reps
  • Rookie Statistics (As of Week 12): 11 Games (3 Starts), 20 catches on 26 targets (76.0 Ctch%), 209 yards, 1 TD, 20.9 Y/G
  • Grade: C+

Why not double-dip at Iowa State? Collegiate teammates Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel both received NFL Draft hype after productive 2024 seasons, but both for different reasons. While Jayden Higgins etched a position out for himself by being a big-body receiver that’s a force at the catch-point, Jaylin Noel rather excelled at being the speedy and agile slot receiver. Although, Noel had only seen sparing snaps on offense in the first month of the regular season, so his impact (or lack there of) is not fully his responsibility. Except, when he is on the field, Jaylin Noel is a problem!

Back in July, Nickschwager of Battle Red Blog wrote of Noel:

“Noel, the fastest receiver on the roster with a blazing 4.39 40-yard dash, brings a dynamic skill set. His ability to get open quickly and stretch the field deep could open up opportunities for the entire offense.”

Nick nailed Noel’s capabilities on the head back then, but watching Noel stretch the defense has unfortunately been a rare sight in the last few weeks. Attributes like his speed and route-running will invite comparisons to Tank Dell, but Jaylin Noel has not reproduced the level of production Dell had in his rookie year at this point. Right now, Noel has appeared in 11 games, caught 20 passes on 26 targets for 213 yards for 11 first downs and one touchdown. Not bad…but not the gaudy slot receiver stats that many were hoping for. Part of this is caused by Christian Kirk being the normal starting receiver in front of Noel, but at some point, he has to prove that he deserves the top spot on depth chart over Kirk, and that hasn’t happened quite yet.

So, Noel hasn’t exactly transformed the Texans’ offense, but he’s still been a big contributor in important games for the team. A touchdown against the Ravens and crucial third and fourth-down conversions against both the 49ers and Jaguars demonstrate that he can be a great instrument to a well run offense. But, unfortunately for him, a “well run offense” is the exact opposite of what Houston is right now. So, even though Noel has shown flashes, he’ll need more continuity in the passing-game before he can truly assume a starting role on the team. Battle Red Blog’s Clayton Anderson continues to cover both Iowa State receivers in his weekly “Eye of the Cyclones” review of their last game, and he continues to pound the table for increased usage of Noel in the offense. So, maybe in a different world, Noel would have earned a better grade. Maybe he deserves a better grade, but as of right now, he has yet to fully surmount Christian Kirk, so he will remain a C+ at midseason


Pick 4: Round 3 (97th Overall) – CB Jaylin Smith, USC​

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  • Measurables: Height: 5’ 10 ½”, Weight: 187lbs., Arm: 29 ⅞”, Hand: 9 ¼”, 40-Yard Dash: 4.45s, 10-Yard Split: 1.6s, Vertical Jump: 32.5”
  • Rookie Statistics (As of Week 12): 4 Games (0 Starts), 6 Tackles, 1 Fumble Recovery
  • Rookie Preseason Statistics: 67 Snaps, 6 Tackles, 5 Receptions on 6 Targets (83.3 Rec%) for 28 Yards, 1 Interception, 46.5 Passer Rating Allowed, 71.7 Defensive PFF Grade
  • Grade: N/A

I know it may seem like a cop out to place an “N/A” on a rookies’ grade, but I can’t fault a player for not being on the field due to injury. Jaylin Smith, like Aireontae Ersery, was another surprise pick by Nick Caserio. Taken 97th overall in the third round, many saw this selection by the Texans as a reach, as Smith had been touted as a late-round pick due to his lack of size and production at USC in his four years there. But, Nick Caserio saw something on tape that made it worth the reach: an instinctual, multi-position DB that isn’t afraid to attack rushing plays, swarming to the ball like a bee to honey. His 2024 tape had multiple games where he was a nuisance all over the field, becoming a routine run-stopper and headache in the backfield. On top of that, Smith had the motor to be a menace on Houston’s special teams, which may have contributed significantly to Caserio’s thinking all along.

Unfortunately for Houston, the injury bug that haunted him at USC seems to have followed him to the NFL. Shortly after returning from IR in week 8 following a hamstring injury, Smith ended up injured again (undisclosed) and was placed on season-ending IR. It’s especially disappointing since Smith had become a major cog in the special teams’ kickoff and punt-return duties, and had started contributing on defense, again. In a tremendously small sample size (31 snaps on defense, 77 snaps on special teams), Smith had already demonstrated a level of intensity that made him such an attractive target to the front office. Although, these 108 total snaps aren’t enough to accurately extrapolate his production to a full year’s worth of snaps, so his real value to the team is yet to be determined. But, his time on the field, while brief, was at least enough to understand where Nick Caserio was coming from when he took Smith in the third round. He has a knack for making plays on the football, and I can see a path where he becomes a solid backup DB to Jalen Pitre, in the same vein as Myles Bryant or Tremon Smith. This injury, however, will set him back in his development, which could end up being disastrous if he doesn’t show promise right away next year.

Jaylin Smith is one of the more interesting players I’ve scouted because his skillset is pretty bizarre imo.

I love him in press coverage & in the run game but his coverage elsewhere isn’t great & needs work imo.

I think he grabs on routes too much & has some sloppy feet at… pic.twitter.com/hY0jrHzTAS

— Jacob (@TexansJacob) May 9, 2025

Pick 5: Round 4 (116th Overall) – RB Woody Marks, USC​

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  • Measurables: Height: 5’ 10”, Weight: 207 lbs., Arm: 29 ⅛”, Hand: 9”, 40-Yard Dash: 4.54s, 10-Yard Split: 1.57s, Vertical Jump: 35”, Bench Press: 18 Reps
  • Rookie Statistics (As of Week 12): 11 Games (3 Starts), 115 Attemps for 422 Yards (3.67 Y/A). 2 Rushing TDs, 17 Receptions on 26 Targets for 185 Yards (11.9 Y/R), 2 Receiving TDs
  • Grade: A

Here’s the pick that the whole offense can thank their lucky stars for. Earlier this week, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Houston’s 2024 starting running back, Joe Mixon, would miss the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury:

Sources: #Texans RB Joe Mixon is not expected to play this season as he deals with a foot injury from the offseason.

Mixon likely remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list through the season. Meanwhile, Houston moves forward with Nick Chubb and Woody Marks. pic.twitter.com/gr7E4QSIEO

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 20, 2025

This report was quickly put into question by Mixon’s response online the same day:

Now, I get everyone’s looking for splash news & clickbait… but I’m just curious, Ian how do you know more about me than me? 🤔

@peterjschaffer get yo mans bro. https://t.co/5G6e6rWtAT

⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) November 20, 2025

So, regardless of what’s been ailing Mixon, it is now pretty much a certainty that the injury will cause him to miss every game of the 2025 season. While predictable at this point, this is still a critical loss to the entire offense that’s still trying to find their feet. They’ve already been managing his absence for months, putting a tremendous amount of pressure on the rookie and free agent signee Nick Chubb to hit the ground running, literally! While Chubb has been perfectly adequate, Woody Marks has taken the moment to become one the major cogs to Houston’s new ground game.

Great vision by the rookie Woody Marks

BUFvsHOU on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CzySqt8lPZ

— NFL (@NFL) November 21, 2025

Game after game, Woody Marks makes a play that will make you re-evaluate his potential. Is he just an undersized one-cut back? His big reception against the Buccaneers in week two begs to differ. Is Marks just an another average receiving back? Well, his game against the Titans in week four, totaling 119 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns, proves that he’s more than just a pass-catching rusher. Okay, so he’s a solid multi-purpose back, but he can’t take over feature back duties and pound the rock over and over, right? Wrong again, as he started the last three games, rushed 48 times for 181 yards (3.77 Y/A) and a touchdown. Well, alright, maybe these statistics won’t blow you away, but game after game, Woody Marks sees his role on offense grow, and he continues to show he’s up for the task.

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That elusive, 100-yard rushing game has yet to pop, so Woody Marks cannot be considered a true home-run pick just yet in my book. He’s right there though, right on the cusp of fully replacing Joe Mixon…but he just hasn’t shown that level of dominance quite yet. He’s certainly a tougher back than many were expecting (including me), so I’m ready to go out on a limb here and say that Woody Marks will break that glass ceiling this season and will prove that he’s worthy of being a #1 back in the NFL. This could end up being the Texans’ best pick of the 2025 Draft.


Pick 6: Round 6 (187th Overall) – S Jaylen Reed, Penn State​

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  • Measurables: Height: 6’ 0”, Weight: 211 lbs., 40-Yard Dash: 4.49s, 10-Yard Split: 1.51s, Vertical Jump: 33.5” Bench Press: 19 Reps
  • Rookie Statistics (As of Week 12): 6 Games (0 Starts), 12 Tackles, 1 Fumble Recovery, 70.3 Defensive PFF Grade (72.0 Run Defense, 65.8 Tackling, 66.6 Coverage)
  • Grade: C

So…some of these players are going to have very unreliable grades for this exercise. Jaylen Reed – the third Jaylen/Jaylin of Houston’s 2025 draft class – had only seen the field on special teams until Thursday night’s big game against the Buffalo Bills, where he finally absorbed 55 defensive snaps at safety, replacing veteran Jalen Mills’ spot on the team after he and fellow DB Myles Bryant filled in for the injured S M.J. Stewart two weeks ago. So, how did Reed perform in his first action on defense? Well, he was…not great, but adequate. PFF credited him with giving up 9 catches on 9 targets for 119 yards, but his performance was buoyed by some nice tackles and a fumble recovery that spotted the Texans offense another three points in a hard-fought win over the Buffalo Bills. Reed didn’t do anything special on this play, but he did exactly what an aware safety is supposed to do: follow the play, and be Johnny-on-the-spot if anything crazy happens. Seeing as he was purely average in his first action on defense, I’ve decided to give him a grade right down the middle: a C. He didn’t excel in coverage and overpursued to the point of opening rushing lanes for the ball carrier, but, in a similar fashion to Davis Mills, did his job sufficiently enough to not be a liability to the defense.

I like the way Jaylen Reed tackles

He explodes to the ball, arrives with a pop, without overplaying it pic.twitter.com/bQaa6KA7G6

— JaysonBraddock (@JaysonBraddock) November 21, 2025

Still, I am a little disappointed it took this long to see him on defense. Even though Houston is loaded with DBs and Reed is just a sixth round pick, I expected him to be more of a routine contributor on defense at this point. I had the fortune of getting a front row seat to his 2024 senior season at Penn State, where he excelled primarily as a box safety. Stuffing runs and spooking quarterbacks, Reed made plays all over the field for an excellent Penn State defense, ultimately leading the team in tackles by the end of the season with 98 total. I was hoping that this, dare I say, SWARM-y quality, coupled with some improved coverage instincts would mean many more snaps on defense by week 12. Hopefully now that he’s getting more attention, Reed will use the motor and instincts he flaunted in college to carve out a solid, rotational role as another quality DB in defensive coordinator Matt Burke’s long bandolier.


Pick 7: Round 6 (197th Overall) – QB Graham Mertz, Florida​

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  • Measurables: Height: 6’ 3”, Weight: 212 lbs., Arm: 31 ¼”, Hand: 9 ¾”
  • Rookie Statistics (As of Week 12): N/A
  • 2024 Senior Statistics (Florida): 5 Games, 72 Completions on 94 Attempts (76.6%); 791 Yards; 6 Touchdowns; 2 Interceptions; 8.73 AY/A; 73.7 PFF (Season cut short due to ACL tear)
  • 2023 Junior Statistics (Florida): 11 Games; 261 Completions on 358 Attempts (72.9%); 2,903 Yards; 20 Touchdowns; 3 Interceptions; 8.85 AY/A; 75.8 PFF
  • Grade: N/A

Here’s another practically ungradeable pick at midseason. Former Florida and Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz has yet to make any regular season snaps, but has continued to be on the active roster all season long. Not exactly the kind of blurb you’d like to be reading right now, but beating out Kedon Slovis in the preseason for a roster spot, and then hanging on the active roster after former starters like Dameon Pierce have been waived has to mean something!

Right after the draft, in my original grades for each selection, I wrote of Mertz:

“He’s got prototypical NFL size and moderate arm strength, but he’s not going to wow you with his athleticism. He improved his decision making with the Gators and became a much more trustworthy passer, but he can still be slow with his progression, letting defenders get back into a play.”

In the 69 snaps Mertz took in the preseason, Mertz gradually improved week after week, finishing off some with some pretty impressive throws against the Detroit Lions in week 3. He doesn’t have the arm of Davis Mills, but he consistently targeted the right receiver and demonstrated impressive ball-placement on difficult throws. Whether or not he’ll function as a viable heir to the Great Neck of Mills remains to be seen, but beating out Slovis for the third-string spot and then remaining on the team all of this time means the Texans staff is invested in his development. Maybe, in due time, he will winning games in prime time just like Mr. Mills! He’s gotta grow that neck, first.

The #Texans traded up to No. 197 to draft former Wisconsin and Florida QB Graham Mertz — a player who won a lot of fans as coaches dug into his college tape.https://t.co/MYtjYNYveu pic.twitter.com/xZSGEavWst

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 26, 2025

Pick 8: Round 7 (224th Overall) – Kyonte Hamilton, Rutgers​

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  • Measurables: Height: 6’3”, Weight: 300 lbs., Arm: 32”, Hand: 9”, 40-Yard Dash: 5.02s, 20-Yard Split: 2.87s, 10-Yard Split: 1.70s, Vertical Jump: 29”
  • Rookie Statistics (As of Week 12): N/A
  • 2024 Senior Statistics (Rutgers): 13 Games, 36 Tackles, 5 Tackles for loss, 4.0 Sacks, 18 Hurries, 1 Forced Fumble, 649 Defensive Snaps, 81.3 PFF (74.9 RDEF, 79.6 PRSH)
  • Grade: N/A

This is another selection that will have to go ungraded at midseason since Kyonte Hamilton has not played at all this season due to a season-ending injury suffered during training camp. While I’m not expecting Hamilton to eventually become a starter, I still cannot predict how significant of a role he will play for the Houston Texans. For all I know, Hamilton could eventually become another Kurt Hinish for the Texans, gradually carving out a role for himself as a d-line depth piece. Or, he could end up being just another cut-candidate at midseason, like Marcus Harris…But, until we actually get to see him in Texans regalia, all we have to go on is his college tape.

Back during draft season, Battle Red Blog contributor Kenneth Levy said this about Kyonte Hamilton:

”Tall and well proportioned, Hamilton flashes agility and several pass rush moves once the ball is snapped. I wouldn’t call him dynamic, which is why he fell to the seventh round, but there’s enough tape here for Houston to throw a late round flier his way. He is a well-rounded defensive tackle who had his best statistical season in 2024, but even so didn’t light up the stat sheet at Rutgers.”

Based on some of these highlights, I can envision a future Texans team that takes advantage of his size and motor to be a run-stuffer, not unlike former Texan Roy Lopez or the aforementioned Kurt Hinish. Although, getting very little action in his rookie season may doom his chances of making an impact in Houston. Hamilton will need to show a lot of development in a hurry in his second year if he doesn’t want to end up buried on the depth chart or released before the beginning of the 2026 season.


Pick 9: Round 7 (255th Overall) – Luke Lachey, Iowa​

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  • Measurables: Height: 6’ 6”, Weight: 251 lbs., Arm: 32 ⅛”, Hand: 10”, Vertical Jump: 35”, Broad Jump: 10’, 3-Cone Drill: 7.18s, 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.47s
  • Rookie Statistics (As of Week 12): N/A
  • Rookie Preseason Statistics: 99 Snaps, 5 Catches on 6 Targets for 21 Yards (4.2 Y/REC), 48.0 Offensive PFF Grade.
  • Grade: F

I know this may seem a little harsh, but I would have expected Luke Lachey to do something at this point if he was any good. The Texans lost their #2 and #3 tight end before week one of the regular season was over, and Lachey still couldn’t crack the depth chart. Instead of giving Lachey meaningful attention at practice or at any point during the regular season, Nick Caserio opted instead to trade for former Eagles tight end Harrison Bryant, cut him before the season started, and then sign him again several days later to make up for losing Cade Stover. After a very lukewarm preseason, Lachey would end up becoming a a casualty of cutdown day, never even making the Texans 53-man roster nor the practice squad.

It’s hard to expect much of anything out of the seventh round pick since taking selections this far down the board is basically like taking a shot in the dark, but an athletic Iowa tight end can’t even crack the depth chart after all of these injuries? Maybe Lachey will transform into something in year two or three and end up getting re-signed in the offseason, but, even though they’re both very different players I’m getting strong Brandon Hill vibes from him right now. This is a bit a bummer, as Houston could have used some depth at the TE position several times this season. I’m not saying I expected Lachey to be a starter in his rookie year, but I would t least expected to see him on a few snaps as a blocker here and there on offense or special teams.

Go up and get it 😤@luke_lachey x #Hawkeyes

pic.twitter.com/47lJng1Hi1

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) September 2, 2023


And that’s the list! I have to say, at this point of the season, this is shaping up to be a pretty solid draft. I don’t know if this draft will reach the level of impact the 2023 or 2024 draft classes have had on the Houston Texans, but Nick Caserio found at least three quality starters in this draft, with a potential for that number to grow if Jaylin Noel and Jaylen Reed end up becoming real contributors down the stretch. In an offseason where Houston’s front office was determined to rebuild the offense, it’s beginning to look like their plan is bearing some fruit. It’s still too soon to call this a smashing success, but I’m very excited to see how Higgins, Ersery, Noel, Marks, and Reed in the second half of this year. They all made an impact in the Texans victory of the Bills on Thursday, and if they can keep doing that every week until January, this class might be another winner for Nick Caserio.

Overall Draft Grade: B+

What do you think, though? Will this draft class go down in history as the class where Houston rebuilt its offense for the better? Or, are the Texans going to end up regretting the selections they made back in April? Should they have gone with more offensive linemen, like we were all calling for during the draft, or should they have traded up instead of traded down and nabbed a superstar WR like Emeka Egbuka? Only time will tell if Houston made the right moves, but for right now, let us know what you think of the rookies thus far down in the comments below!

GO TEXANS!!!!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...ans-2025-nfl-draft-rookie-grades-at-midseason
 
Panthers at 49ers Monday Night Football Discussion Thread

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American Hero Case Keenum. | Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

For the final game on the week 12 slate, we go all the way to the city by the bay…by which I mean Santa Clara, which is a solid 30 miles (I think) away from San Francisco proper.

Tonight, the 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers who find themselves thrust into the possibility of leading the NFC South; the only division more dysfunctional than ours.

Here’s what you need to know to watch tonight’s game.

Who: Carolina Panthers (6-5) at San Francisco 49ers (7-4)

What: Monday Night Football

Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

When: Monday, November 24, 7:15 p.m. CST

Why: Because the universe is weird and luck bounces around our lives like an overinflated football.

TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes

Radio: Westwood One

Streaming: ESPN*, Fubo*, NFL+*, SlingTV* (*subscription required)

Enjoy the game, y’all.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/gener...49ers-monday-night-football-discussion-thread
 
Nico Collins unleashed with Davis Mills at helm

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No Houston Texans fan will ever say that Davis Mills throwing 40+ passes is the recipe for success, but that’s what was necessary to secure the win over the NFL’s worst 1-9 Tennessee Titans. Fortunately, a 10 of those 41 passes were directed towards Houston’s elite WR Nico Collins, who hauled in 9 receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown. Most recently, Mills threw only 30 passes against the Bills, but that was due to a game strategy of attacking the Bills weak run defense.

Nico Collins has seen a resurgence in production since Davis Mills took over for a concussed QB C.J. Stroud. In the seven games with Stroud at QB, Collins averaged 4.7 receptions for 59 yards on 8.14 targets. With Mills at QB the against the Titans and Jags, Collins racked up an averaged of 8 receptions for 114 yards on 12.5 targets. While it’s a smaller sample size, it’s evident that Mills has found comfort and production when throwing to the Texans’ best offensive weapon.

Week 4 vs. Titans​

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Collins’ performance against the Titans with Stroud illustrates a problem he’s had all season: limited route combinations. For the most part, all of these routes favor Stroud’s throwing capabilities over Collins’ route running prowess. These routes work well against zone coverage where he can find open lanes between defenders, but against man coverage, which is what a WR1 will most likely receive, they don’t get him as open. What is interesting is the lack of vertical progression. Only one target was beyond 20 yards down the field.

Week 10 @ Titans​

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What’s most noticeable was the diversity of routes and positions on the field Nico caught passes. Out routes, digs, slants, curls, and posts were all in Collins’ arsenal against the Titans on Sunday. This multiplicity gave Collins the opportunity to continually surprise and confuse the Titans secondary. Sure, Nick Caley had six more weeks to integrate Collins into this brand new offense, but Collins was absolutely unleashed this past weekend.

Another interesting note is that only one pass was further than 15 yards down the field. That was the post route on third and long that allowed Houston to keep a big drive going. Mills doesn’t have the biggest arm, but he demonstrated his ability to throw it all over the field.

Week 12 vs Bills​


While Collins stats weren’t worthy of a NFL NextGen chart against the Bills as Christian Kirk earned that honor, but his three receptions for 55 yards were mainly due to Buffalo locking him down with double coverage. It was a tough game for Collins as Mills was forced to spread the ball around to Kirk and rookie WR Jayden Higgins. Houston pushed the running game against Buffalo due to their bottom-tier.

Collins’ three catches all came in the first half as Houston dove into running the ball and throwing to Higgins.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...co-collins-unleashed-with-davis-mills-at-helm
 
Poll: Are the Texans trending up this week?

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Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Texans fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Heading into Week 13, we want to know how you’re feeling after watching the team so far this year. Every week of the season we will ask fans if they are confident the team is headed in the right direction and more of the most pressing questions facing the coming game. Let us know what you think!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/general/72815/texans-survey-week-13-reacts
 
Value of Things: Ranking the Texans defense

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Thursday night games present a bit of a challenge on the writing side of things. A normal Sunday week provides a bit of a routine. We look at the numbers from the previous game and then later in the week offer some kind of commentary on the next Sunday’s game or a commentary on news affecting the Texans that particular week. We have already done “By the Numbers” last Friday. So, today we take a look at something unique about the 2025 Texans.

One of the things I have to do as an analyst is analyze my own analysis. That sounds like a riddle, so it basically comes down to this: do I find that I am overly optimistic or pessimistic in my analysis? If I am honest with myself, I would have to note that I tend towards the pessimistic side of things. Part of that is my nature and part of that is the nature of analysis itself. Commenting on what is going wrong is just juicier than commenting on what is going right. However, if someone is always negative it comes off just as disingenuous as being a constant rah rah guy. So, while I could continue to pile on Nick Caley and the offense, I decided to shift my attention to what is working.

Taking a deep dive into narratives is always a good thing at certain points of the season. There were two narratives on the Houston Texans this season. The first one (and the one we’ve spent the most time on) is the narrative on offense. The opening narrative is that we would be a quicker offense that would keep C.J. Stroud upright and mitigate any deficits in the offensive line. The results on that narrative have been mixed at best. Yet, the other narrative is that the Texans defense should be a top five defense that will keep the Texans in most games. We are analyzing the results of that narrative today. We are doing that by comparing the 2025 defense with the statistical best defense in franchise history from 2011.

The 2011 Defensive Numbers​

  • Points Allowed: 278 (4th)
  • Points Per game: 17.4
  • Total Yards per game: 285.7 (2nd)
  • Rushing Yards per game: 96.0 (4th)
  • Passing Yards per game: 189.7 (3rd)
  • Sacks per game: 2.75 (6th)
  • Turnovers: 1.7 (12th)

Obviously, the 2011 defense was strong across the board. Many analysts look at things like DVOA and other complex stats because points per game can be derived from any number of things. How good was the offense? Did they turn it over a ton and put the defense in bad positions? Were there a ton of special teams plays that skew the numbers? The Texans committed 20 turnovers that season which placed them 6th in that department as well. This is what Bill O’Brien used to lovingly call “complementary football.”

When you take care of the ball AND you have a strong defense then the defensive numbers are going to end up looking pretty good. We could do a statistical deep dive, but that is probably way too much work. The strength of the defense was in simply limiting yards. Teams didn’t move the ball a ton on the Texans that season. They were not as strong (comparatively) in getting to the quarterback and so they were also not as strong (comparatively) in taking the ball away.

Sometimes, that is just luck. Defensive coaches always talk about coaching their teams to be opportunistic. I usually find these claims to be boiler plate stuff that every defensive coach says whether they have a good defense or not. The interesting thing about this defense was while they had J.J. Watt, he was not yet the J.J. Watt that we know and love. They had Mario Williams, but he got hurt mid-year before he could wreak the kind of damage people thought he would. It became an interesting what if when you consider you had both of those guys on the field at the same time for at least part of the season.

2025 Defensive Numbers​

  • Points Allowed: 182 (2nd)
  • Points Per Game: 16.5
  • Total Yards Per game: 264.3 (1st)
  • Rushing Yards Per game: 92.2 (4th)
  • Passing Yards Per game: 172.1 (3rd)
  • Sacks per game: 3.0 (6th)
  • Turnovers per game: 1.7 (4th)

If you are in the top five in nearly every category then you are a top five defense by sheer definition. The Los Angeles Rams are first in points allowed, but as we pointed out above, sometimes that depends on your offense and special teams. The Texans have only turned it over nine times in eleven games, so despite all the histrionics they have supported the defense on that level. The Texans have allowed two return touchdowns on the season, so that has to be considered as a mitigating factor. There have been 14 total touchdowns allowed on kick returns and punt returns in the NFL. The Texans have allowed two of those. I can’t imagine that teams have allowed more than that.

In addition to turnovers, you also have to contend with average field position and the total amount of time that your defense stays on the field. The Texans are 5th (or 28th) in the amount of punts that they have so far on the season. They are fourth in total punt return yardage (or 29th) they have surrendered. Interestingly enough, only two of the four teams in front of them in total punts have surrendered more return yardage. So, it would appear that the kick coverage teams and the Texans offense aren’t going the defense any favors.

These are the kind of things that go into complex formulas like DVOA and other complex stats. The Texans are slightly better than the Rams on EPA per play. That is a stat that ranks your defensive efficiency when we remove all of the noise like return yardage and starting field position. In short, pound for pound, the Texans have the top rated defense in the NFL this season.

What does it all mean?​


Ironically, while the reasons why are different, the 2011 Texans and the 2025 Texans are very similar teams. The 2011 outfit went 10-6 largely because of injuries to Matt Schaub and other key players. A healthy offense that produced 2010 numbers would have likely resulted in a 12-4 or 13-3 season that year. It is why many Texans fans love to what if the heck out of that particular team.

C.J. Stroud’s concussion notwithstanding, the 2025 season has a slightly different narrative on that side of the ball. In short, they just haven’t been as successful overall or situationally as we had hoped. The end result is likely going to be similar. This looks like a nine or ten win football team when all is said and done. The end result will likely be a similar what if scenario. Obviously, the injury what if is a lot more positive than the alternative. Still, the future is unwritten. If the offense figures out a way to score 20 to 25 points a game for the remainder of the season then the results could be better. It also could make the Texans a potentially dangerous playoff team. We can certainly hope that will be the end result.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...00/value-of-things-ranking-the-texans-defense
 
Houston Texans Path to the Playoffs Entering Week 13

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The Houston Texans have six more games to cement their legacy as the seventh team ever to make the playoffs after going 0-3… the last team being the 2018 Houston Texans. According to CBS Sports, “since the NFL schedule was expanded to 17 games in 2021, NO team has lost their first three games and rebounded to make the postseason.”

The AFC is fairly clear-cut this year. 10 teams vying for seven spots. Currently, Houston sits on the outside-looking-in along with Kansas City and the Pittsburgh Steelers. This season has featured several surprising AFC teams including the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos.

Houston is not out of the playoffs yet and still control their own destiny. To track their progress toward the playoffs, I will be providing a weekly update tracking the Texans progress to the playoffs throughout the remaining season.

Current Playoff Picture​

Playoff SpotAFC TeamRecordWeek 13 OpponentPlayoff Probability %
FIRST ROUND BYE
AFC East winner
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS10-2vs. Giants (MNF)99%
AFC West winner DENVER BRONCOS9-2at Commanders (SNF)96%
AFC South winnerINDIANAPOLIS COLTS8-3vs. Texans82%
AFC North winnerBALTIMORE RAVENS6-5vs. Bengals (Thanksgiving)81%
Wild Card SpotLA CHARGERS7-4vs. Raiders56%
Wild Card SpotJACKSONVILLE JAGUARS7-4at Titans75%
Wild Card SpotBUFFALO BILLS7-4at Steelers76%
In the HuntPITTSBURGH STEELERS6-5vs. Bills20%
In the Hunt HOUSTON TEXANS6-5at Colts53%
In the HuntKANSAS CITY CHIEFS6-5at Cowboys (Thanksgiving)57%

Current AFC South Picture​

AFC SouthMake PlayoffsWin DivisionFirst Round Bye
INDANAPOLIS COLTS (8-3)82%53%8%
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (7-4)75%29%3%
HOUSTON TEXANS (6-5)53%18%0%
TENNESEE TITANS (1-10)0.80%0%0%

Texans at Colts Playoff Implications​


HIGH. If Houston can muster a win in Indianapolis and serve the Colts their first losing streak of the season, they’ll be just one game out of the AFC South division lead. Having a strong in-division record will be vital to their playoff chances. A Colts loss also means they’re still a viable option to get knocked out of the playoffs entirely.

Houston winning would increase their chances to make the playoffs from 53% to 70% according to the Athletic. However, a loss would decrease their changes to 38%.

Week 13 Matchups to Watch​


Buffalo Bills at Pittsburg Steelers (Sunday, 4:25 EST)

The Bills (7-4) hold the last seed in the AFC and the Steelers (6-5) are the first team out. It’s a scenario where both teams need to lose for Houston, but only one will. Houston may want the Bills to win as the Texans will have the head-to-head tie breaker over Buffalo. However, knocking the Bills down to 7-5 opens up the last spot in the playoffs. The Steelers have lost four of the last six and are sinking against a tough schedule.

Texans fans should be rooting for the Steelers.

Kansas City Chiefs at Dallas Cowboys (Thursday, 4:30 EST)

The Chiefs (6-5) win last Sunday brought the Colts back into arms distance with the Texans, but they’re still out of the playoffs. Houston desperately needs the Cowboys to create separation from the Chiefs and the AFC Playoffs to give Houston some wiggle room. The Texans play KC in two weeks for another game with major playoff implications.

Remaining Schedule:​


at Colts (8-3)

at Chiefs (6-5)

vs. Cardinals (3-8)

vs. Raiders (2-9)

at Chargers (7-4)

vs Colts (8-3)

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...-texans-path-to-the-playoffs-entering-week-13
 
Thanksgiving Day Discussion Thread – Packers at Lions

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Hello, good morning (hey, not all of us get to live in Central time, okay?) and Happy Thanksgiving to all you loyal Texans fans. Have you had enough to eat yet? Or has Thanksgiving dinner not even started yet? Well, whether it has or it hasn’t one thing is certain: there is a lot of football for us to watch today.

Starting with the traditional opening course of football, the appetizer course. For that, we travel up to sunny (I presume) Detroit where the Lions will play their traditional Thanksgiving Day host to the Green Bay Packers.

I can’t remember the last time a Thanksgiving Lions game actually had potential to be an intriguing matchup. Granted the Lions have been pretty good the last few years, but other than that, it’s hard to recall.

It’s the tryptophan.

But enough from me, enjoy the game, go try and sneak a bit of pie while you’re at it, sit back, relax and enjoy the football, family, and time off of work (I hope, for your sake at least).

And from all of us here at Battle Red Blog, we want to wish you and yours a very happy and safe Thanksgiving.

And for crying out loud, if you’re gonna fry your turkey, make sure it’s FULLY THAWED FIRST!

Enjoy the game, y’all.

Go Texans!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...giving-day-discussion-thread-packers-at-lions
 
Thanksgiving Day discussion thread, Part III: Bengals at Ravens

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Hello Texans fans! I’m filling in here for Patrick, who is hopefully out enjoying Thanksgiving, but still wanted y’all to have a place to discuss this one.

You know the drill: Talk about Bengals vs. Ravens and the AFC implications that relate to the Texans right here with your fellow fans. I’m curious what Joe Burrow’s going to look like in his first game back from injury.

And happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...-discussion-thread-part-iii-bengals-at-ravens
 
Black Friday Discussion Thread – Bears at Eagles

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So, it’s pretty obvious that the Black Friday game on Amazon is a cynical ploy by the monopolistic retailer to keep people at home so they don’t go shopping elsewhere, right?

The weird thing about that is, despite this, the ads for said cynical ploy to keep people home shopping on Amazon is littered with commercials for traditional brick and mortar retailers like JC Penney (which I just saw).

Is this just ironic or a multi-level psyop by Amazon? Or should we reject the tyranny of “or” and assume both?

Whatever, it’s a football game.

For those of you working today at a traditional brick and mortar retailer, on this the most miserable work day of the year, I salute you; and I hope you get to enjoy your day whenever you are able to escape retail hell.

Bears/Eagles on now, on Amazon.

Enjoy the game y’all.

Consume. CONSUME. COOOOOOOOOOOONSUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUME.

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Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...lack-friday-discussion-thread-bears-at-eagles
 
Stroud named starter

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The Houston Texans have announced that C.J. Stroud has cleared the concussion protocol and will start Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. The move was certainly expected and might have seemed like a formality, but nothing is guaranteed by the concussion protocol.

The addition of Stroud combined with the knowledge that Daniel Jones is battling a broken fibula is certainly enough to change the calculus of the game. There still has been no word on Jalen Pitre, but he also practiced this week, so we could presume that he will be back as well. The combination of the news is destined to change the line of the game to make it even closer than the 3.5 points it currently sits at.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud has cleared concussion protocol and was back at practice today. pic.twitter.com/qnuE0whjeo

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 28, 2023

The game itself has taken on more significance with the losses by the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving Day. A fourth consecutive victory for the Texans would take them from teetering out of the playoff picture right into the thick of the AFC Wild Card hunt and even the AFC South divisional race with the Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houston-texans-discussion/72894/stroud-named-starter
 
Daniel Jones’ fractured fibula an opportunity for Houston’s playoff chances

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The AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts received a gut punch yesterday when news broke that starting QB Daniel Jones suffered a fractured fibula (the bone in the back of the lower leg). Even though he plans to play against the Texans, the playoff implications loom large over the impending matchup.

Jones’ Herculean effort and gutsiness comes after their bye week and tough loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Colts are second in the NFL with 384 yards per game and Jones has them seventh in the league in passing yards per game. Their run game has been their calling card with Jonathan Taylor leading the league in rushing yards with almost 1,200. With a limp Jones, Houston will be able to tee off on rushing the passer while prioritizing the run with their defensive tackles.

Houston has a +10 turnover differential and Jones has thrown four interceptions over the past two games. He’s also taken 16 sacks over the past four games, increasing in number each game over that span.

#Colts QB Daniel Jones, who has been dealing with a lower leg injury, suffered a fracture in his fibula, sources say.

Jones was a full participant today and one source said, “He looked good.” Jones will continue to try to play through it. Toughness never questioned. pic.twitter.com/86pfA5AdTN

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 27, 2025

Jones has always relied on his running to get him out (or in his time in New York, into) trouble, but this season he’s only racked up 159 rushing yards. He does have five rushing touchdowns, but Indianapolis and Jim Bob Cooter have turned the once-considered complete bust of a QB into one of the most efficient QBs this season.

Colts backup quarterback is rookie Riley Leonard. Leonard has only played one game against the Tennessee Titans in a blowout win. He threw two incomplete passes in his first outing. He was drafted in the sixth round at the 189th pick out of Notre Dame.

Leonard was expected to be the third string QB and sit behind prodigal QB Anthony Richardson. Richardson is still on injured reserve and doesn’t appear to be coming back any time soon. He is rapidly entering ‘bust’ territory after being passed up by Daniel Jones this offseason before his eye injury due to a pre-game warm up malfunction with an elastic pole/band that struck him in the face. Even before his injury mid-October, Jones has been the clear-cut starter on the 8-3 Colts.

Getting a ton of Anthony Richardson questions.

Here's the update: He's back in the building, attending meetings, etc. Saw him yesterday, in fact. But he does not seem particularly close to returning to the field. Had surgery to repair his orbital bone which is super delicate.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 27, 2025

The Texans are currently two games behind the Colts in the AFC South. A win against the Colts would bring them within reach of the division leaders and instantly make the division a dead heat. The Jaguars play the Titans in another AFC South game, but with far less on the line. The Colts have yet to lose at home, which could be a deciding factor in Sunday’s contest.

AFC SouthWinsLossesPercentHome AwayDivisionPoints ForPoints Against
Indianapolis Colts830.7276-0 2-32-0 341229
Jacksonville Jaguars740.6364-23-21-1267250
Houston Texans650.5454-22-33-1243182
Tennesee Titans1100.0910-6 1-40-4 167303

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...a-an-opportunity-for-houstons-playoff-chances
 
Texans at Colts: How to watch, TV schedule, and more

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Folks, he’s baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. Yes, that’s right C.J. Stroud is coming back under center for your Houston Texans. And not a moment too soon either because this week they face the, somehow, division leading Indianapolis Colts in a not-technically-must-win-but-awful-close-to-it game if the Texans want any hope of repeating as AFC South champions; to say nothing of maintaining their playoff ambitions.

But will they be on a home television near you? Well, there’s one easy way to find out. Let us consult the boards from 506 Sports.

CBS EARLY GAMES

View Link

Red: Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (Announcers: Ian Eagle, J.J. WATT; Referee: Clay Martin)
Blue:
San Francisco 49ers at Cleveland Browns (Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green; Referee: Brad Allen)
Green: Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans (Announcers: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta; Referee: Brad Rogers)

Here’s what you need to know to watch the game tomorrow:

Who: Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

When: Sunday, November 23, 12:00 pm CST

Why: Because Bob Irsay should watch his team take a significant playoff hit while hanging out in hell.

TV: CBS (Ian Eagle, J.J. WATT)

Radio: KILT Sports Radio 610 AM

Streaming: Hulu + Live TV*, NFL+*, Paramount+, YouTubeTV* (via Sunday Ticket) (*subscriptions required)

Go Texans!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...ns-at-colts-how-to-watch-tv-schedule-and-more
 
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