One would determine the least of the Houston Texans’ worries in 2024 is the passing recreation.
But final week, the lack to go or shield quarterback C.J. Stroud was the most important motive that Houston misplaced at Inexperienced Bay. Stroud threw for simply 86 yards, which most weeks for him is an efficient quarter, and absorbed 4 sacks in a 24-22 setback.
The Texans will look to repair these points Sunday after they host the Indianapolis Colts in an AFC South showdown. With Jacksonville struggling at 2-5 and Tennessee renting the basement at 1-5, Houston (5-2) has an opportunity to take full management of the division if it defeats Indianapolis (4-3) for the second time this season.
However earlier than the Texans can earn that proper, second-year coach DeMeco Ryans is aware of Stroud, the offensive line and his receivers should bounce again.
“After all, safety. Additionally, the routes. We had some performs. We dropped a go. We dropped a landing go,” Ryans mentioned. “Every part is on the desk.”
Though final week’s efficiency represented a profession low whole, Stroud nonetheless is hitting 66.4 p.c of his passes for 1,663 yards and 10 touchdowns with 4 interceptions. Stefon Diggs has 42 catches to steer the group, however Houston has to play with out Nico Collins (club-best 567 yards in 5 video games), who stays on injured reserve with a hamstring drawback.
The absence of Collins has to thrill the Colts, a group he is carved up just lately. In a season-opening 29-27 victory final month in Indianapolis, Collins bagged six catches for 117 yards, making the most of the eye lavished on Diggs.
Whereas the Texans attempt to repair their aerial assault, the Colts look like trending in the fitting course within the standings and the harm report. Not solely have they gained consecutive video games, together with final week’s 16-10 choice over Miami, but it surely seems they may get working again Jonathan Taylor (ankle) again after a three-game absence.
Taylor practiced Wednesday, the primary time he is been capable of make that declare since occurring the shelf. Although it was in a restricted realm, it is a growth that Colts coach Shane Steichen regards as a great signal.
“It will be large,” Steichen mentioned of Taylor’s potential return. “Getting J.T. again within the fold can be massive. We’ll see how the week goes, however we really feel actually good about it.”
Taylor compiled 349 yards on 72 carries within the first 4 video games, going over 100 yards twice. In distinction, his backups, Tyler Goodson and Trey Sermon, have mixed for 255 yards on 72 makes an attempt, a good indication of how a lot the offense wants Taylor.
Indianapolis additionally wants extra manufacturing from the passing recreation. In his return from an indirect harm final week, Anthony Richardson hit simply 10 of 24 makes an attempt for 129 yards, the second straight week the Colts have been held beneath 200 yards within the air. Michael Pittman has 28 catches for 336 yards regardless of battling a again harm that is stored him out of form at occasions just lately.
Indianapolis defensive sort out DeForest Buckner (ankle) was restricted in follow on Wednesday. Pittman, offensive sort out Braden Smith (knee), heart Ryan Kelly (calf), cornerback Chris Lammons (ankle), huge receiver Josh Downs (groin, toe), linebacker Jaylon Carlies (fibula, shoulder) and defensive finish Genard Avery (foot) didn’t take part within the session, nonetheless.
For the Texans, huge receivers Robert Woods (foot) and Steven Sims (again) and security Jimmie Ward (groin) didn’t take part in Wednesday’s follow.
–Subject Degree Media
