The Houston Texans enter their Week 10 matchup against the Cleveland Browns with a depleted roster that undercuts any momentum from last week’s dominant win.
At 3-5 and still chasing a playoff spot in a competitive AFC, Houston must navigate the absence of several key contributors after Friday’s final injury report ruled out five players.
The most significant loss is edge rusher Danielle Hunter, who will miss the game with a hamstring injury.
Hunter, a free-agent addition in 2024 who has remained a cornerstone of the Texans’ pass rush, was limited in Thursday’s practice and did not participate on Friday.
This marks the first game he has missed since arriving in Houston.
His absence creates a notable void along the defensive front, one the team will look to fill with veteran Jadeveon Clowney and other depth pieces while Will Anderson Jr. remains questionable with an ankle issue of his own.
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is also out with a groin injury, an ailment that previously sidelined him earlier in the season.
On the offensive side, the Texans will be without starting left guard Keylan Rutledge, the rookie first-round pick out of Georgia Tech. Rutledge is dealing with a stinger that has affected his neck and shoulder; he missed every practice this week and will sit out for the first time in his young career.
Reports indicate the team is preparing fourth-round rookie Febechi Nwaiwu to step into the starting lineup rather than turning to veteran Wyatt Teller.
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., acquired near the trade deadline, will miss the contest with a hamstring injury that kept him off the practice field in recent days.
Tight end Brevin Jordan is likewise out with finger and foot issues, extending a stretch of absences for him this season.
Other players, including running back David Montgomery and offensive tackle Trent Brown, remain questionable as the Texans attempt to field a competitive lineup on the road.
These absences arrive at a delicate point in the season. Houston’s defense, which generated a strong pass-rush performance against the Chargers, loses its most consistent edge presence in Hunter while the offensive line faces an unexpected change at left guard.
With playoff hopes still alive but requiring consistent results, the Texans will need contributions from remaining veterans and younger players to hold their own in Cleveland.
The staff will monitor Anderson’s ankle status closely through the weekend as they finalize preparations for Sunday.
