Injuries are always going to be something that NFL teams work through during the course of the season. But especially at this point in the year, having injury luck on your side can be absolutely vital. The early injury reports and practice participation from Wednesday are where our focus shifts.
For Sunday's matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans, Houston listed seven players who did not participate in practice on Wednesday. They also had one player, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, listed as a limited participant with a knee injury.
Five of the seven Texans players who did not practice were defenders. That is notable because of how physical and dominant Houston is defensively. Given how early it is in the week, some of those players may have been held out as more of a precautionary approach. Either way, there are still some incredible defenders included in that group.
The Houston Texans are dealing with a significant number of injuries in the week leading up to their visit to Kansas City.
Starting with pass rusher Will Anderson Jr., he was listed with chest and shoulder injuries. One would imagine it would take a lot for him to miss an important game like this one on Sunday. Overall, Anderson Jr. is tied for sixth in sacks and second in total pressures this season.
Cornerback Kamari Lassiter was another defensive starter who did not practice on Wednesday. Dealing with a foot injury, Lassiter has yet to miss a game this season, starting in all 12 contests. He has tallied two interceptions this season and thrives on sticky coverage down the field.
Defensive lineman Denico Autry will also see a fair amount of snaps up front. He also failed to participate on Wednesday. Autry has been a reliable veteran for years when asked to create havoc against opposing passers. If Houston were to be without this defender, the Texans would be missing a dependable piece.
Tim Settle Jr. can also clog up running lanes and eat space. But now, he will be done for the season after not practicing Wednesday. It was announced that he will undergo season-ending surgery on his foot.
Offensively, there were two other key names who did not practice on Wednesday. Offensive tackle Trent Brown has started the last four games for Houston. He is currently dealing with a hand injury.
Then at running back, rookie Woody Marks is dealing with an ankle injury. He finished last week's game against Indianapolis, but after taking a low hit, he was hobbled for much of the second half. The Texans still have veteran Nick Chubb to rely on. He is not the same player he once was, though. That makes Marks' availability crucial going into a possibly tight game.