DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans got off to a seemingly ominous start ahead of Wild Card weekend and their road tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers, particularly when it came to their first injury report and cornerback Kamari Lassiter.
Lassiter, a rising star in his second NFL season, missed the Texans’ regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts. However, the plan was for him to return for the postseason.
Day 2 of the Texans’ week of preparation offered more encouraging developments.
Kamari Lassiter Sticking to Plan for Texans
GettyKamari Lassiter #4 of the Houston Texans warms up before facing the Seattle Seahawks.
The Texans listed 12 players on their first injury report of the week, including Lassiter, who was a non-participant due to ankle and knee issues. However, KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported an encouraging update for the Texans from Lassiter.
Lassiter has dealt with the ankle issue for several weeks, but injured his knee in Week 17.
“#Texans corner Kamari Lassiter affirmed he is going to play vs. #Steelers,” Wilson reported in a post on X on January 8, noting that the corner “added he didn’t even need the rest.”
“It’s kind of give and take,” Lassiter told Wilson in a follow-up report. “In my head, if I can walk, if I can talk, I can play. It’s kind of that gray line between protecting yourself from yourself. And that’s all it was, and I appreciate it.”
Wilson said Lassiter was “good to go” for Monday’s tilt versus the Steelers.
Lassiter indeed returned to practice as a limited participant on Friday, keeping the Texans’ plan for Saturday on track.
Texans’ Roster Trending in Right Direction for Steelers Game
GettyDerek Stingley Jr. #24 of the Houston Texans runs onto the field before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Starting left guard Tytus Howard was also listed as a DNP on Thursday, along with reserve defensive lineman Denico Autry and backup running back Jawhar Jordan.
However, Wilson reported that Howard relayed that his absence was more of a rest day than a significant issue with his ankle. Wilson previously reported that Jordan would miss some time, though it remained unclear just how long he would be out.
Jordan was the only one of the four non-participants to remain sidelined on Friday.
Ryans and the Texans initially listed five players as limited participants on their injury report. Of that group, which included All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., only starting right tackle Trent Brown maintained that status on Friday.
Fellow starters Jaylen Reed and Sheldon Rankins, as well as reserve linebacker Jamal Hill, practiced in full with one more session to go this week.
Aireontae Ersery, Ajani Carter, and Austin Brinkman all remained full participants.
Steelers Healthy Heading Into Texans Game
GettyAaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gestures during a game against the Cleveland Browns.
Ryans and the Texans will not get any significant breaks from the Steelers, whose initial roster update listed six players, all of whom participated in Thursday’s practice in some capacity.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, edge rusher T.J. Watt, and defensive lineman Cam Heyward headlined that group. Rodgers was a full participant. Heyward received some rest during the session. Watt is on IR, but the Steelers designated him for return.
His potential return makes the Texans’ offensive line’s status imperative for C.J. Stroud.
Ryans and Stroud have lauded the Steelers for their roster and the job that Mike Tomlin has done as Pittsburgh’s head coach.
The Steelers did add tight end Jonnu Smith and defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk to their injury report on Friday, but both players participated in a limited capacity. Saturday’s injury reports will prove telling for both teams.
Texans Deliver Encouraging Roster Update After Ominous Report