Houston Texans' Shaq Griffin: 'I'll Definitely Be Ready For Sunday'
The Houston Texans missed cornerback Shaq Griffin in last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, as he was dealing with a calf injury. Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder took advantage of Griffin's absence by throwing for a career-high 329 yards.
However, Griffin fully practiced on Thursday and Friday and is excited to feel back to 100-percent ahead of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.
"I feel really good and have no problems," Griffin told KPRC2's Aaron Wilson on Thursday. "I felt great (at practice), moved great and I'll definitely be ready for Sunday."
Griffin explained that he's "looking forward to the opportunity" of facing the Saints' challenging air-attack and receiving core.
"I think I'm going to be given a lot of 50-50 chances, so I have to win my one-on-one battles," Griffin said. "We know it's going to be a challenge, but I'm glad to be back out there with my guys."
![Houston Texans cornerback Shaquill Griffin (0) pushes Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) out of bounds on a fourth quarter pass play for a first down. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Sunday, September 24, 2023. The Jaguars trailed 17 to 0 at the end of the first half and lost with a final score of 37-17. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]](https://www.si.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_700/MjAxMDU1MzU0MzQ2MzUwMDIy/usatsi_21498853.jpg)
Houston Texans cornerback Shaq Griffin (0) helped lead the defense to an upset victory over the team that cut him.
The 28-year-old seemed to be as happy as one could be returning from an injury, and that's likely because injuries were a reason why he landed in Houston this offseason.
The UCF product signed with the Jaguars for a hefty three-year, $40 million contract in 2021, after three very solid seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. However, a back vertebral fracture in Week 6 sidelined him for the rest of last season, which eventually got him cut.
Sensing that Griffin still had a lot of fight left in him, the Texans brought him in on a one-year deal.
Griffin never really got the chance to showcase his abilities in Jacksonville, but he's been a great asset on and off the field this season in Houston, as the team is gaining the attention of the NFL world after three-year skid at the bottom of the league.
Houston's first win came in Week 3 against the Jaguars—Griffin's former team. He had the tough task of covering highly touted Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley for a good portion of the game. He held his own as Ridley finished with three receptions for 40 yards on seven targets. Griffin also led Houston in tackles with 10.
