Texans vs. Ravens Injury Report: Will Anderson, Mark Andrews Trending in Opposite Directions
As nine-point underdogs for Saturday’s Divisional Round matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the Houston Texans are going to need all the help they can get – especially on the health front.
Wednesday’s injury report didn’t provide much optimism.
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Rushing the passer is critical to finding success against any team, but it’s a task made arduous by Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, whose elite athleticism and pocket awareness make him a moving target and a constant conflict. To make matters worse, rookie edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) was downgraded to a Did Not Participate (DNP) after being limited on Tuesday.
Houston’s pass rush may be further beleaguered for Saturday’s contest. The Texans’ other starting edge rusher – and sack leader – Jonathan Greenard (ankle) was also a DNP on Wednesday. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankings (ribs/shoulder) and backup defensive end Jerry Hughes (ankle) were both held out of practice, too.
The only other player who didn’t practice was fullback Andrew Beck.
A handful of defensive contributors were limited, including linebackers Blake Cashman (knee), Christian Harris (calf), and Denzel Perryman (ribs). Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (hip) and targets John Metchie III (foot) and Robert Woods (hip) carried the same tag.
Meanwhile, Baltimore continues to get good news from the training staff. Star tight end Mark Andrews (ankle) – once thought to be done for the season – was a full participant on Wednesday.
While corner Marlon Humphrey (calf) and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney (illness) didn’t practice, rookie receiver Zay Flowers (calf) and young edge rusher Odafe Oweh (ankle) were both full participants.
Of these, the biggest to monitor are Andrews and Humphrey. The latter would be one of the toughest challenges receiver Nico Collins has faced all year, and few have a better rapport with their quarterback than Andrews does. He’s a game-changing tight end, and even if he’s not at 100 percent, he’s a threat to a vulnerable Houston pass defense.
The participation of Anderson and the rest of the pass rush will be critical to the Texans’ playoff hopes. Ideally, they too would return to the practice field before the Divisional Round kicks off.
