Texans HC Lovie Smith says that they don’t have an update right now when it comes to the playing time of rookie CB Derek Stingley Jr. this Friday. He will have a better idea after Tuesday’s practice. #Texans #Sarge @TheTexansWire pic.twitter.com/fkVu6o9lTf
Buy Texans Tickets— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) August 15, 2022
Coach Lovie Smith was playful in his Monday morning presser when asked about the chances of rookie cornerback Derek Stingley playing against the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 19 at SoFi Stadium.
“Like a percentage? 35 or 36, 59 or 60? Help me out a little bit,” the Houston Texans coach remarked according to a video from Brian Barefield.
The mystery surrounding Stingley relates to how his final season at LSU ended. In 2021, the eventual No. 3 overall pick was limited to three games due to a Lisfranc injury. Although completely recovered from the injury, the Texans have nevertheless been deliberate with their blue-chip defensive back throughout offseason workouts, training camp, and preseason.
Smith acknowledged that they needed to something from Stingley during the exhibition phase.
“Derek needs to play this preseason, true enough, but a little bit later on, like after Tuesday’s practice, when we get a little closer to LA, we’ll talk about who’s going to play then,” Smith said. “Right now, I know that Derek is going to scrimmage tomorrow and we’re excited about seeing him continue to get better daily, which he’s doing; getting more and more comfortable each day.
A little bit later on in the week, we’ll let you know our ideas, our plans for how we’re going to play our guys this second preseason game.”
The Texans defense cultivated three takeaways in the 17-13 win over the New Orleans Saints Aug. 13 at NRG Stadium. Having Stingley produce positive results, even in a preseason setting, would be another suggestion that the Texans defense will be much improved throughout the 2022 campaign.
