(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
Will Anderson Jr. is inching his way back to 100 percent.
Anderson, the Houston Texans’ leading pass-rusher and a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, returned to practice for the first time in two weeks after dealing with an ankle injury.
The Texans listed him as limited on the injury report, but simply putting weight on the ankle is a positive sign for the second-year defensive end entering Week 12’s showdown against the Tennessee Titans.
“We’ve been missing him the past couple of weeks,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “His leadership style, his play style, his demeanor all around. So it’s good to have him back at practice.”
Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. was at practice today. #Texans #Sarge pic.twitter.com/5MDHIiDjdT
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) November 20, 2024
Anderson, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, hasn’t played since the second quarter of Week 9’s loss against the New York Jets on Halloween. After trying to return to the game, the Texans ruled him out and he hasn’t been on the field since.
A team captain and force in the trenches, Anderson was having a monster start to the 2024 season before missing the past two games against the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. Not only did he lead the NFL with 11.5 tackles for loss, but his 7.5 sacks also ranked top-three among all defensive players through the first nine weeks.
Anderson also was coming off winning AFC Defensive Player of the Month for October after finishing with 17 tackles, including an NFL-best seven for loss, five sacks, a pass breakup that resulted in an interception and a fumble recovery. His return would be welcomed opposite four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter.
Even with the injuries to receivers Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins, Houston’s defensive line might be the thinnest. Even after signing multiple players, the Texans have yet to see all four of their projected starting defensive linemen on the field at the same time this season.
During his presser today, Texans HC DeMeco Ryans was asked about Will Anderson Jr. who returned to practice this afternoon in Houston (ankle injury):
“It’s really good to get Will back, we’ve been missing him the last couple of weeks.. Just his leadership style, play style, his… pic.twitter.com/LLPPqJobZC
— Tyler Milner (@tmilrealdeal) November 21, 2024
Defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr., who had been suspended for four games for violating the league’s drug policy, returned to the lineup last week.
Denico Autry, who had been suspended the first six games for violating its policy against performance-enhancing drug use, came back right when Edwards was put on the suspended list.
Meanwhile, starting defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi missed last week’s game with a foot injury.
Having a dominant defensive line could be trouble for the Titans’ front five protecting Will Levis. Tennessee has allowed 33 sacks on the season, including 27 against the second-year starter.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT at NRG Stadium.
