Will

Anderson Jr.

Anderson was dealing with what the team initially called a soft-tissue injury back on August 7. We haven’t seen much from him since, but we now know the injury is related to his ankle. While he hasn’t practiced in weeks, Ryans appears optimistic about Anderson’s availability for Week 1. Anderson totaled 45 tackles, 10 TFLs, and seven sacks as a rookie and is expected to take a big leap forward in his second season as a pro.

Anderson established himself as an elite edge defender in year one, taking home 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. His 16.4 percent pass-rush win rate and 16.2 percent quarterback pressure rate rank top 12 positionally (min. 420 pass-rushing snaps) and he led the Texans run defense with 12 tackles for loss or no gain. The weight gain should make it more difficult for blockers to displace him and the Texans notably lost two of their top three run-defense tacklers in free agency. Anderson’s transformation a positive offseason development in this regard.

The Texans traded up for the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft after taking C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick. Now, just as we saw in 2022 with the Jets, the Texans have players who will be taking home both OROY and DROY honors. Anderson narrowly beat out Eagles rookie Jalen Carter for the award, but the Alabama product was every bit deserving of the honor. After spending three seasons as one of the best pass rushers in the nation, Anderson turned in seven sacks in his rookie campaign and was also credited with 45 tackles and 10 TFLs. A massive second-year leap could be in store for Anderson, who should string together multiple double-digit sack seasons in the very near future.

The sensational rookie was utilized in his typical role for the Wild Card Round and seems to have avoided setbacks. He’s probably not particularly close to 100 percent healthy, but the Texans are going to need a big play or two from the No. 3 overall pick to have a legitimate shot at springing the Ravens upset.

Anderson and Jonathan Greenard (ankle) joined Jerry Hughes (ankle) as Texans pass-rushers sitting out on Wednesday. Anderson and Greenard both played in the Wild Card round and were listed as limited participants on Tuesday. However, both were downgraded to DNP status on Wednesday with ankle injuries that continue to ail the Texans’ pass rush. If Anderson and Greenard practice later in the week, they will likely play Saturday against the Ravens in the Divisional Round, while Hughes is more of a question mark, having missed the Wild Card win.

Anderson was sidelined on Wednesday but returned to the field on Thursday for the Texans. Thursday’s practice will serve as the team’s final tune-up before Saturday’s tilt with the Browns, but KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports Anderson is “set to play” this weekend. Anderson injured his ankle in Week 14 against the Jets and missed two games before returning for the final two weeks of the season. In addition to Anderson, DE Jonathan Greenard also returned to practice, while Jerry Hughes (ankle) remains sidelined.

Ankle issues continue to plague the Texans’ pass rush as Anderson, Jonathan Greenard, and Jerry Hughes all missed Wednesday’s practice with ankle injuries. Anderson has played through his ankle issue and is the most likely to play against the Browns on Saturday. Greenard and Hughes will need to practice before they can be considered to return for the Wild Card game.

Anderson missed practice with an ankle injury he has played through in Weeks 17 and 18. DT Maliek Collins (hip), EDGE Jonathan Greenard (ankle), EDGE Jerry Hughes (ankle), and DT Sheldon Rankins (shoulder) also did not practice on Tuesday. The Texans have had a banged-up defensive front for a couple weeks now, with Greenard being the only player that missed Week 18. Expect most of them to return to practice later in the week, with a good chance to play against the Browns on Saturday.

Anderson was listed as a non-participant for the second straight day this week. The rookie edge rusher joins Maliek Collins (hip), Jonathan Greenard (ankle), and Sheldon Rankins (ankle) as non-participants repeat non-participants on Wednesday. The defensive group will have a chance to practice later in the week as the Texans gear up for a Saturday matchup against the Colts.

Anderson previously missed time due to the ankle injury and just came back to play Week 17. He was listed as a non-participant in Tuesday’s walkthrough but still has a chance to suit up in practice later this week to play a Week 18 Saturday matchup against the Colts. DT Maliek Collins (hip), EDGE Jonathan Greenard (ankle), and DT Sheldon Rankins (ankle) were all listed as non-participants as well, with injuries piling up on the Texans defensive line.