It’s probably nothing since Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said second-year defensive end Will Anderson Jr. has been “doing really good” leading up to Week 1’s matchup against the Colts.
It’s still best to always remain cautiously optimistic whenever talking about injuries.
Anderson, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, missed practice again following roster cutdowns Wednesday afternoon. He was present and wearing a team jersey coming over from NRG Stadium so it looks like he’s progressing, but he wasn’t a factor during drills.
What a welcome sight to see…Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. is back at practice. #Texans #BigSargeMedia pic.twitter.com/XN0KbiAz4E
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) August 28, 2024
Anderson hasn’t practiced since the team departed for the Hall of Fame game against the Bears last month due to an ankle injury. He’s been working on the sidelines, yet hasn’t participated in drills.
The Texans need a healthy Anderson if they plan on winning a second consecutive AFC South division title, let alone a conference one. He was coming into his own late last season opposite Jonathan Greenard, totaling seven sacks and 45 tackles.
That’s only scratching the surface of what Anderson is capable of when at his peak. The Alabama pass rusher dominated one-on-one matchups, amassing 22 quarterback hits in 15 games. He ranked third among edge rushers in pass rush win rate, which ranks one spot higher than Pittsburgh Steelers extraordinaire T.J. Watt and one position lower than the league’s top defensive end Myles Garrett.
That type of pedigree the Texans hope to have in Anderson entering a prosperous Year 2: deadly, direct, and consistent. Garrett and Watt have consistently racked up All-Pro honors since entering the league in 2017, with the former recently winning the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Watt won it in 2021 after tying Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record. Houston hopes Anderson can take that next step forward like T.J.’s older brother and Texans’ legend, J.J., entering his sophomore season in the pros.
#Texans Pro Bowl defensive end Will Anderson Jr., not practicing but activity level keeps progressing from ankle injury @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/VqOHVGOeu0
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 28, 2024
Cornerback Jeff Okudah and defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. returned for the first time in weeks after making the 53-man squad. Settle had been sidelined with a calf injury. Okudah, a former top-five pick out of Ohio State, was dealing with a shoulder injury.
Safety MJ Stewart still didn’t practice with an undisclosed injury but ran sprints and did individual drills on the side field. Known for his special teams skills, the Texans chose to keep five safeties over six corners entering the year.
The Texans won’t practice again until Monday as players regroup following roster cuts. After that, the mindset flips to setting the tone for the season opener against AFC South foe Indianapolis in a rematch of last season’s division-deciding Week 18 matchup.
Kickoff from Lucas Oil Stadium is scheduled for noon.