Offensive Adjustments Post-Injury Strategy for the Houston Texans

When the Houston Texans’ star quarterback suffered a shoulder injury in Week 14, the team faced an immediate challenge: how to keep their offense competitive while their most valuable player recovered. What followed was a series of strategic adjustments—tailored to backup Case Keenum’s strengths, optimized for the Texans’ remaining weapons, and designed to minimize risk—that allowed the team to win two critical games and stay in the AFC South title hunt. Offensive Adjustments Post-Injury Strategy for the Houston Texans breaks down these tactical shifts, from simplifying the playbook to leaning into the run game, and how the Texans balanced short-term success with long-term readiness for their starter’s return. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, these adjustments weren’t just about surviving an injury—they were about staying sharp for the playoffs.

Offensive Adjustments Post-Injury Strategy for the Houston Texans begins with the most impactful shift: simplifying the playbook to play to Case Keenum’s strengths as a game-manager. Unlike the Texans’ starter, who thrives on complex pre-snap reads and deep downfield throws, Keenum excels at quick, decisive passes and executing high-percentage plays. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik trimmed the playbook by 30%, eliminating most read-option concepts and deep crossing routes in favor of slants, outs, and screen passes that let Keenum get the ball out within 2.5 seconds of the snap. “We didn’t ask Case to be someone he’s not,” Slowik explained. “We built a game plan around his ability to make smart decisions and connect with receivers in the short to intermediate areas.” The adjustment paid off: in two starts, Keenum completed 68% of his passes for 420 yards, 2 touchdowns, and zero interceptions, while leading the Texans to wins over the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts. The team also reduced Keenum’s mobility demands, limiting designed runs to avoid exposing him to unnecessary hits—a priority given his status as the only healthy quarterback on the roster.

A key component of Offensive Adjustments Post-Injury Strategy for the Houston Texans is the team’s increased reliance on the run game, which became the backbone of the offense during the starter’s absence. With Keenum at the helm, the Texans boosted their rushing attempts from 28 per game to 36 per game, leaning on running backs Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary to control the clock and reduce the burden on the passing attack. Pierce, who had averaged 4.1 yards per carry before the injury, saw his production jump to 4.8 yards per carry as the offensive line focused on creating larger running lanes. The Texans also integrated more two-tight end sets—using Dalton Schultz and Brevin Jordan—to block for the run, while occasionally using those sets to catch defenses off guard with short pass plays. “The run game became our foundation,” said offensive line coach Chris Strausser. “It kept the defense honest, gave Case time to settle into the game, and let us control the tempo—something we needed to do to win with a backup quarterback.” This shift not only helped the Texans win games but also kept their defense fresh, as longer offensive drives reduced the number of snaps the defense had to play.

Offensive Adjustments Post-Injury Strategy for the Houston Texans also highlights how the team leveraged the versatility of its receiving corps to compensate for the loss of deep passing threat. With the starter out, wide receivers Nico Collins and Robert Woods adjusted their roles: Collins, normally a deep threat, shifted to running more intermediate routes (10-15 yards downfield), where he could use his size (6’4”) to win contested catches. Woods, a veteran with strong route-running skills, took on a slot role, focusing on quick passes that he could turn into yards after catch. The Texans also increased targets for tight end Dalton Schultz, who became Keenum’s most trusted target—hauling in 14 receptions for 128 yards and 1 touchdown in two games. “Our receivers did a great job adapting,” Slowik said. “Nico didn’t complain about running shorter routes; he just found ways to make plays. Robert stepped into the slot and gave us consistency, and Dalton became a security blanket for Case.” For the Houston Texans, this versatility wasn’t just a short-term fix—it also showcased the depth of their receiving corps, a strength that will be critical in the playoffs when defenses key in on stopping Collins.

Another critical part of Offensive Adjustments Post-Injury Strategy for the Houston Texans is the team’s focus on limiting turnovers and penalties, two areas that can sink a backup-led offense. Slowik and his staff emphasized ball security in practice, adding extra drills where receivers and running backs worked on protecting the ball against simulated tackles. The offensive line, meanwhile, focused on reducing false starts and holding penalties—mistakes that had plagued the team earlier in the season and would be even more costly with a backup quarterback. The result: the Texans committed zero turnovers and just three penalties in their two games with Keenum. “When you have a backup quarterback, you can’t afford to give the ball away or put yourself in long-yardage situations,” said head coach DeMeco Ryans. “We stressed discipline every day in practice, and the players bought in.” For the Houston Texans, this focus on fundamentals not only helped them win with Keenum but also reinforced good habits that will benefit the team once the starter returns. Turnover prevention and penalty control are hallmarks of playoff teams, and the Texans used this injury stretch to refine those skills.

Looking ahead, Offensive Adjustments Post-Injury Strategy for the Houston Texans includes a plan to transition back to the starter’s style of play without disrupting the team’s momentum. Slowik and his staff have designed a “phased integration” approach: during the starter’s first week back in full practice, they’ll reintroduce 20% of the complex plays (like deep crossing routes and read-option) each day, gradually building up to the full playbook by game day. They’ll also use walkthroughs to work on timing between the starter and his receivers—critical after two weeks apart—to ensure their connection is sharp. “We don’t want to throw the full playbook at him all at once,” Slowik said. “We’ll take it step by step, making sure he’s comfortable with each addition before moving on.” The Texans will also keep some of the run-game adjustments, even with the starter back, as the increased rushing success has opened up opportunities for play-action passes. For the Houston Texans, this balanced approach ensures they don’t waste the progress made with Keenum—while also maximizing the starter’s unique skills once he’s healthy.

Offensive Adjustments Post-Injury Strategy for the Houston Texans is ultimately a story of adaptability and preparation. The Texans didn’t let a key injury derail their season; instead, they used it as an opportunity to refine their offense, showcase their depth, and build resilience. By simplifying for Keenum, leaning into the run game, leveraging receiver versatility, and focusing on fundamentals, they turned a potential crisis into a chance to grow. As the starter prepares to return, the Texans are in a stronger position than before the injury: they have a more balanced offense, a more disciplined unit, and a backup quarterback who has proven he can win games if needed. For a team with Super Bowl hopes, these adjustments aren’t just a footnote to the season—they’re a blueprint for how to handle adversity and stay competitive when it matters most.