Lions Star RB Likely Out Vs. Texans
Thanksgiving and the Detroit Lions go together like turkey and canned cranberry sauce, with the Lions first appearing on Turkey Day back in 1934. It's 86 years later and the Houston Texans will be appearing in just their second Thanksgiving game, having beaten the Lions back in 2012.
READ MORE: Texans at Lions GAMEDAY: Jobs In Jeopardy
However, the Texans will be looking to make it 2-0 in the Thursday morning start without several key contributors. ... while the Lions figure to be without standout running back D'Andre Swift.
Did Not Participate
Cullen Gillaspia, FB (Back) - Out
Josh McCown, QB (Illness) - Out
Limited
Bryan Anger, P (Right quad) - Questionable
Kenny Stills, WR (Quad) - Out
Full
Senio Kelemete, LG (Concussion)
Laremy Tunsil, LT (Illness)
Moved To Injured Reserve
P.J. Hall, DT (Torn pectoral)
Randall Cobb, WR (Toe)
READ MORE: Coutee Moves Up, But Cobb Moves to Texans IR
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The Texans revealed a flurry of transactions on Wednesday as they concluded their preparations for Thursday's game, with wide receiver Cobb and defensive tackle Hall both moving to IR due to injuries suffered against the New England Patriots last week.
In corresponding moves, the team signed undrafted rookie running back Scottie Phillips to the active roster from the practice squad. Houston also elevated wide receiver Steven Mitchell Jr. and defensive tackle Corey Liuget from the practice squad.
They also announced that they have signed defensive tackle Andrew Brown from the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad. A fifth-round pick by Cincy back in 2018, he went on to make 18 appearances between 2019 and 2020. The 24-year old out of Virginia has been placed on the Exempt/Commissioner Permission list by the Texans and will likely take Hall's place on the active roster, with Liuget presumably reverting to the practice squad.
Returning to the injury report, and it was a mixed bag for the Texans.
With both Cobb and Stills both ruled out this week, wideouts Keke Coutee and possibly rookie Isaiah Coulter should see more snaps. Elsewhere, full-back Gillaspia is also out, meaning rookie back Phillips may take his special teams snaps, and possibly help in the run game after they failed to achieve much on the ground yet again last week with Duke Johnson and C.J. Prosise.
Punter Anger has been quietly having a solid season this year but is questionable for a second straight week with a right quad injury. He did manage to play against the Pats but if he is not able to suit up on Thursday the most likely candidate to take his snaps will be special teams kicker Brett Maher who also punted in college.
In more positive news starting tackle Tunsil and guard Kelemete both return to, presumably, start on Thursday. In their absence, the Texans did not allow a single sack last week.
READ MORE: Texans 27, Patriots 20: Defying The Odds
Looking to the Lions and they too have a number of injury concerns heading into turkey time.
Did Not Participate
Austin Bryant, DE (Thigh) - Out
Mike Ford, CB (Concussion) - Out
Jeff Okudah, CB (Shoulder) - Out
Da'Shawn Hand, DL (Groin) - Out
Kenny Golladay, WR (Hip) - Out
Danny Amendola, WR (Hip) - Out
Limited
Amani Oruwariye, CB (Back) - Questionable
Reggie Ragland, LB (Ankle) - Questionable
Jarrad Davis, LB (Knee)
Christian Jones, LB (Knee)
D'Andre Swift, RB (Concussion) - Questionable
Full
Will Harris, S (Groin)
Matthew Stafford, QB (Right thumb)
Marvin Hall, WR (Toe)
T.J. Hockenson, TE (Shoulder)
Jonah Jackson, G (Knee)
Moved To Injured Reserve
Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OL (Foot)
Swift is reportedly set to miss his second straight game with a concussion. That means the Texans get a load of Adrian Peterson and some Kerryon Johnson, too.
READ MORE: Texans Coach Search: A 'Pederson Plan'?
The Texans take on the Lions at 11:30 a.m. CT, with the players surely eyeing the coveted Turkey Leg Award.
