Injury Wave Challenges Team Depth of the Houston Texans

As the Houston Texans enter the critical final month of the NFL regular season, a sudden and widespread injury wave has put the team’s depth to its biggest test of the year. Injury Wave Challenges Team Depth of the Houston Texans isn’t just a short-term setback; it’s a threat to the franchise’s playoff aspirations, forcing backups and practice-squad call-ups into key roles against some of the AFC’s top teams. For a Texans squad that has already overcome early-season inconsistencies to climb into wildcard contention, the loss of multiple starters has shifted the narrative from “can they make the playoffs?” to “can their depth hold up long enough to keep the push alive?” The answer will depend on how quickly young players adapt, how well coaches adjust game plans, and whether the team’s remaining veterans can step up to lead.

Injury Wave Challenges Team Depth of the Houston Texans first intensified in Week 14, when the team lost three starters in a 24-17 win over the Denver Broncos. Running back Dameon Pierce, who had rushed for 620 yards and 4 touchdowns this season, suffered a high ankle sprain in the second quarter and was placed on injured reserve, ending his regular season. Later in the game, left tackle Laremy Tunsil—one of the NFL’s top offensive linemen and a critical protector for quarterback C.J. Stroud—sustained a knee injury that would keep him out for at least two games. To make matters worse, starting linebacker Christian Kirksey, the Texans’ second-leading tackler (89 tackles), left with a hamstring strain and was listed as questionable for the next two contests. The injuries continued into Week 15: wide receiver Nico Collins, Stroud’s top target (65 catches, 920 yards), was sidelined with a shoulder injury, and safety Jimmie Ward joined him on the injury report with a concussion. “Injuries are part of the NFL, but losing this many key players in such a short span is tough,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We have to rely on the guys behind them to step up—and so far, they’ve shown they’re ready to compete.”

Injury Wave Challenges Team Depth of the Houston Texans has hit some units harder than others, with the offensive line and skill positions facing the most significant gaps. With Tunsil out, the Texans have turned to backup offensive tackle Charlie Heck, a fourth-year player who had appeared in just 12 games (with 3 starts) before this season. Heck’s first start in place of Tunsil came against the Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett—one of the NFL’s top pass-rushers—and while he allowed one sack, he held his own for most of the game, helping the Texans secure a 19-17 win. At running back, the Texans have shifted to a committee approach, with practice-squad call-up Dare Ogunbowale and second-year player Devin Singletary (who also handles punt return duties) splitting carries. Ogunbowale has impressed in limited action, rushing for 45 yards on 10 carries against the Browns, while Singletary has added a receiving threat out of the backfield (6 catches for 48 yards in the same game). The wide receiver corps, meanwhile, has relied on veteran Robert Woods (a free-agent signing in the offseason) and rookie Tank Dell to fill the void left by Collins. Dell, a third-round pick, has emerged as a pleasant surprise, hauling in 7 catches for 94 yards in his first start without Collins. “Our depth was something we focused on in the offseason, and now we’re seeing why,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “We drafted and signed players who could contribute if called upon, and that’s exactly what’s happening.”

Injury Wave Challenges Team Depth of the Houston Texans has forced the coaching staff to make significant adjustments to game plans, prioritizing simplicity and minimizing risk for inexperienced players. On offense, the Texans have shifted to a more run-heavy approach, reducing the number of complex passing plays that require precise timing between Stroud and his receivers. They’ve also relied more on screen passes and short routes to get the ball to playmakers like Dell and Singletary in space, where they can use their speed to avoid defenders. On defense, the Texans have simplified their playbook, focusing on basic coverages and rush packages to help backup linebackers like Jake Hansen and Christian Harris get up to speed quickly. Hansen, an undrafted free agent, has filled in for Kirksey and recorded 12 tackles in two starts, while Harris has added 8 tackles and a forced fumble. For the Houston Texans, these adjustments have been effective so far—they’ve won two of the three games since the injury wave began—but they also limit the team’s offensive and defensive versatility. “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel right now,” offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said. “We’re playing to the strengths of the players we have available, and that means keeping things simple but effective.”

Injury Wave Challenges Team Depth of the Houston Texans has also tested the team’s mental resilience, with veterans stepping up to mentor younger players thrust into larger roles. Woods, who has 11 years of NFL experience, has taken Dell under his wing, meeting with him before practice to review film and after games to break down his performance. Tunsil, even while sidelined, has attended offensive line meetings to offer Heck advice on blocking techniques and how to read defensive fronts. “The veterans have been incredible,” Dell said. “Guys like Robert and Laremy are always giving me tips, and it makes a huge difference when you’re out there for the first time in a big role.” This mentorship has helped young players adapt quickly, and it’s also boosted team morale—even as injuries mount, the Texans have maintained a positive locker room culture. For the Houston Texans, this resilience is just as important as on-field talent; it’s kept the team focused on its playoff goals rather than dwelling on setbacks. “We could easily make excuses, but that’s not who we are,” Stroud said. “Every guy in this locker room believes we can still make a run, and we’re not going to let injuries stop us.”

Injury Wave Challenges Team Depth of the Houston Texans will have long-term implications for the franchise, even beyond this season. The performance of backup players like Heck, Ogunbowale, and Dell will help the Texans evaluate their roster for 2025—identifying which players can be trusted in larger roles and which positions need to be addressed in free agency or the draft. It will also shape the team’s approach to building depth in the future, emphasizing the importance of signing versatile veterans and drafting players with the ability to contribute immediately. For now, though, the focus remains on the present: the Texans have three games left against divisional rivals (the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Indianapolis Colts), and they need to win at least two to keep their playoff hopes alive. “This injury wave is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity,” Ryans said. “It’s a chance for our young players to grow, for our veterans to lead, and for this team to show what it’s made of. We’re not done fighting—not by a long shot.” For the Houston Texans and their fans, the next few weeks will be a test of endurance, adaptability, and faith. If their depth can hold up, the Texans could still make a surprise playoff run. If not, they’ll take valuable lessons into next season—lessons that will help them build a more resilient team for years to come.