Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans maintained his previous stance on All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who he said remains “day-to-day” with an oblique injury that he initially picked up in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams.
At 0-3 and tied with the Tennessee Titans at the bottom of the AFC South, the Texans need all hands on deck, so losing Stingley for any length of time would be costly.
With two more sessions to go this week, the Texans can hold out hope.
Derek Stingley Jr. Injury Looms Large for Texans
GettyDerek Stingley Jr. #24 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game between Carolina Panthers.
The Texans face the Titans in Week 4. And despite their winless record, the Titans have seen positive signs from rookie No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. His 506 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception on 54.5% completion belie those flashes.
Without Stingley, Ward could expose the Texans, who rank 13th against the pass entering the contest.
#Texans corner Derek Stingley Jr. (oblique-rib injury) has lingered since #Rams game when he first got hurt and finished the game,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on September 24. “Didn’t finish #Jaguars game, but is expected to attempt to play against #Titans if possible. Practice status today to be determined.”
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Stingley was an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in 2024. He is allowing 62.5% completion in his coverage this season, per Pro Football Reference. That is the second-highest mark of his career.
Ryans’ stance is noteworthy as Stingley’s absence understandably drew attention.
Derek Stingley Jr.’s Injury History a Potential Red Flag
GettyDerek Stingley Jr. #24 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers.
The Texans signed Stingley to a three-year, $90 million contract extension in March. His accolades speak to the caliber of player that he is. However, the Texans cannot ignore his injury history, especially in situations such as this.
Stingley, 24, missed eight games in his rookie season with a hamstring injury. He missed six games in 2023 with another hamstring issue.
Stingley logged a full 17-game slate in 2024, underscoring the kind of season he had.
“Yeah, Sting didn’t go today,” Ryans, who previously declined to elaborate on Joe Mixon’s foot injury, confirmed after practice on September 24. “Sting is still dealing with his oblique injury. He’s still day-to-day.”
Moreover, that is not the only injury concern the Texans face before taking on the Titans.
Texans OL Could Need Another Reshuffling
GettyTytus Howard #71 and C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans take the field before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In addition to Stingley’s absence, the Texans’ first injury report revealed that fullback Jakob Johnson did not participate. But the even more concerning mention was right tackle Tytus Howard.
According to Ryans, Howard “had an illness today. Hopefully, we’ll see him out there tomorrow.”
The Texans have already had to shuffle their offensive line amid injuries this season. They still boast depth, but the group has already underperformed. Moreover, their secondary is in a similar state following C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s release.
The Texans still have two more practices to get Howard, Johnson, and Stingley back in the mix in time to face the Titans in Week 4.
Texans Begin Week With Unfortunate Update on $90 Million All-Pro