The Houston Texans defense could be down four or more starters when they face Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston, the Texans are not expected to have cornerback Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) or safety Jimmie Ward (groin) for a second straight game on Sunday, and linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and Henry To’oTo’o (concussion) didn’t practice on Wednesday after suffering injuries last week. Defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi also didn’t practice on Wednesday.
All five are listed as starters on the Texans unofficial depth chart.
Lassiter and Ward represent one half of the Texans starting secondary. D’Angelo Ross is the backup behind Lassiter, while rookie Calen Bullock — who leads the team with two interceptions — is the backup for Ward.
Not having Al-Shaair could be a big loss for the Texans defense. The former 49ers linebacker leads the team in stops (21), and he ranks first among off-ball linebackers with 13 pressures this season. Al-Shaair (40) and To’oTo’o (45) lead the Texans in tackles. Al-Shaair had a forced fumble before exiting the game last week.
The Texans still have difference makers. Will Anderson Jr. was named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week after producing three sacks and four tackles for loss during the Texans’ win over the New England Patriots last week. Former Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter has 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and seven quarterback hits through six games.
Through six games, the Texans have allowed the third fewest total yards, and they rank fourth in yards allowed per play at 4.8. Five times in six games, the Texans have allowed fewer than 200 total passing yards. And Houston turned over rookie quarterback Drake Maye and the Patriots four times last week.
“They play very fast, very physical, very sound. I think their play style is one of the best in the league. It’s going to be a great challenge,” coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday.
The Texans will release a first injury report of the week on Wednesday and a final injury report with playing status designations on Friday.
