DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans closed out the regular season and are heading for a Wild Card showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday. However, the NFL had more to add from the Texans’ last outing.
The league took measures over two plays from the Texans’ win over the Indianapolis Colts in the regular-season finale. One involved center Jake Andrews, while another involved running back Woody Marks. The Texans duo was on the right side in both instances.
NFL Steps In Over Texans C Before Playoff Game
GettyJake Andrews #60 of the Houston Texans takes the field during player introductions before a game against the Tennessee Titans.
The NFL fined Colts defensive tackle Neville Gallimore for a face mask on Andrews. Gallimore’s infraction occurred during the second quarter on a run play to Marks.
As the play washed to the defensive left side, Andrews moved with his fellow O-linemen. Gallimore, looking to shed the block, grabbed Andrews’ facemask, ripping it off and leaving the Texans’ pivot to pick it up.
No flag was thrown on the play, despite Andrews’ helmet lying on the floor afterward.
The NFL often levies punishment on players over infractions that did not draw flags during contests. The NFL’s facemask rule is straightforward.
“If a player grasps an opponent’s facemask or helmet opening, he must immediately release it,” Rule 1, section 2, article 15 of the rulebook states. “He shall not grasp and control, twist, turn, push, or pull the facemask or helmet opening of an opponent in any direction.”
NFL Doubles Down on Colts Fines
GettyWoody Marks #27 of the Houston Texans celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
The NFL also fined Colts defensive end Adetomiwa Adebawore $6,829. Adebawore’s fine was for “unneccessary roughness” over a “hip-drop” tackle on Marks that saw the rookie RB get up gingerly but remain in the game.
Per Rule 12, Section 2, Article 18 of the NFL rulebook, “It is a foul if a player uses the following technique to bring a runner to the ground: (a) grabs the runner with one or both hands or wraps the runner with both arms; and (b) unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and/or trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.”
Again, officials did not throw a flag on the play during the game.
The best news for the Texans is that they avoided injuries and fines in this one. They will look to continue that trend on Monday against the Steelers.
Final Injury Report a Mixed Bag for DeMeco Ryans, Texans
GettyJawhar Jordan #22 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While the Texans avoided receiving any fines, they did deliver an unfortunate roster update on their final injury report of the week.
The Texans ruled out running back Jawhar Jordan. He came on late in the season, particularly when Marks and Nick Chubb suffered injuries. A sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft with the Texans, Jordan was expected to be sidelined for this contest.
The Texans ruled rookie defensive backs Ajani Carter and Jaylen Reed questionable.
Despite that designation, Carter and Reed practiced in full on Saturday. So are all nine of the other players listed on the injury report, including right tackle Trent Brown.
The Steelers are also mostly healthy coming into this contest, with just one of the nine players they listed on their injury report carrying a designation into the contest. That is reserve defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk, who is on injured reserve but has been designated for return.
The Texans and Steelers could both make final adjustments to their rosters on Sunday.
NFL Office Takes Costly Disciplinary Action Over Texans Game