The Houston Texans already ruled out one player for their wild card match with the Cleveland Browns, while a few others are designated as questionable but are expected to play.
Defensive end Jerry Hughes was ruled out with an ankle injury, the team announced, after he didn’t practice all week.
Meanwhile, Pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. (ankle), fullback Andrew Beck (calf), pass rusher Jonathan Greenard (ankle), defensive tackle Maliek Collins (hip), defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (shoulder), wide receiver Noah Brown (back) and wide receiver Robert Woods (hip) were all designated as questionable. Center/guard Michael Deiter (elbow) did not have an injury designation after he practiced in full on Thursday.
Thursday's Injury Report for #CLEvsHOU ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/tqfG6sVYgZ
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 11, 2024
Despite the tags, Anderson, Beck, Greenard, Collins and Rankins are all expected to play, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. Woods and Brown are both game-time decisions, per Wilson.
If this comes to pass, it will be a huge boon for the Texans defense. Greenard has missed the past two games with his ankle injury and only played in three snaps in Houston’s Week 16 loss to the Browns. He leads the team in sacks. Anderson returned in Week 17, where he tallied two sacks, and also played in Week 18.
The addition of Anderson, Greenard, Collins and Rankins on the defense would give Houston its full arsenal along the defensive line against a stout Browns offensive line. The Texans could have a mostly-full wide receiver corps as well if Brown and Woods play alongside Nico Collins.
As for the Browns, they ruled three players out and have a few questionable. Safety Grant Delpit, kicker Dustin Hopkins and receiver Cedric Tillman will all miss the game with various injuries. Cornerback Denzel Ward hurt his knee in practice and is now questionable for the game.
