Set Absence for Key Members of the Houston Texans

In the NFL, the absence of a key player or staff member can disrupt a team’s rhythm, test its depth, and force difficult adjustments midseason. For the Houston Texans, the 2024 campaign has seen several “set absences”—planned or unexpected gaps in the roster that have challenged the team’s resilience while revealing the strength of its supporting cast. These absences haven’t just been about filling a position; they’ve been about redefining roles, leaning on veteran leadership, and trusting in the team’s preparation. Set Absence for Key Members of the Houston Texans explores the most impactful absences of the season, from star quarterback C.J. Stroud’s two-game injury layoff to defensive coordinator Matt Burke’s personal leave, and how the Texans navigated these challenges without sacrificing their playoff push. This article delves into the strategic shifts, player adaptations, and organizational support that turned potential setbacks into opportunities to grow stronger as a team.

Set Absence for Key Members of the Houston Texans first centers on the most high-profile gap of the season: starting quarterback C.J. Stroud’s absence in Weeks 7 and 8 due to a mild concussion. Stroud, who had been the Texans’ offensive engine (leading the AFC in passing yards at the time of injury), was sidelined after a hard hit in a Week 6 loss to the Denver Broncos. The news sent ripples of concern through the fanbase and media, with many questioning if the Texans’ offense—still finding its identity—could survive without its young leader. Backup quarterback Case Keenum, a 12-year veteran, stepped into the starting role, bringing experience but limited familiarity with the Texans’ game plan (he’d joined the team as a free agent just three months earlier). The Texans’ coaching staff adjusted quickly, simplifying the offense to focus on short passes, run-heavy sets, and Keenum’s strengths as a game manager. Against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7, Keenum completed 22 of 31 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown, leading the Texans to a 20-17 win. In Week 8, he threw for 198 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. While Stroud’s absence was a scare, it highlighted the Texans’ depth at quarterback and the coaching staff’s ability to adapt—turning a potential crisis into a confidence boost for the entire offense.

Set Absence for Key Members of the Houston Texans also examines the impact of defensive end Jonathan Greenard’s three-game absence in October due to a sprained MCL. Greenard, the Texans’ leading sack artist (with 6.5 sacks in the first six games), was a linchpin of the defense’s pass-rushing attack, often drawing double teams that opened up opportunities for his teammates. His absence forced the Texans to shuffle their defensive line: rookie Will Anderson Jr., a first-round pick, moved into the starting role, while backup defensive end Jerry Hughes—signed midseason—took on increased snaps. The adjustment period was rocky at first: in Greenard’s first game out (Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs), the Texans recorded just one sack and allowed Patrick Mahomes to throw for 320 yards. But by Week 6, the new rotation found its rhythm: Anderson recorded his first career multi-sack game against the Broncos, and Hughes added a sack and a forced fumble. When Greenard returned in Week 9, the Texans’ defensive line was deeper and more versatile—Anderson had grown into a reliable starter, and Hughes had proven he could contribute in key moments. Greenard later said, “Being out was tough, but watching Will and Jerry step up made me proud. It showed we’re not a one-man defense—we’re a unit.” This absence, while unexpected, strengthened the Texans’ pass rush by forcing younger players to grow and veterans to take on new roles.

Set Absence for Key Members of the Houston Texans extends to off-field gaps, including defensive coordinator Matt Burke’s two-week personal leave in November. Burke, who had designed the Texans’ top-10 defense, stepped away to care for a family member, leaving linebackers coach Chris Kiffin to serve as interim defensive coordinator. The Houston Texans’ defensive staff faced a unique challenge: maintaining the team’s defensive scheme while ensuring players didn’t miss a beat in communication or execution. Kiffin, who had worked closely with Burke for two seasons, focused on “continuity first,” keeping the core of the defense intact while making small adjustments to play to the staff’s strengths. The results were impressive: in Burke’s absence, the Texans held the Cincinnati Bengals to 17 points and the Buffalo Bills to 24 points (both below their season averages), recording a combined 10 sacks in the two games. When Burke returned, he praised Kiffin and the players for their adaptability: “This team’s ability to stay focused and execute when things change is a testament to their character.” For the Houston Texans, Burke’s leave was a reminder that resilience isn’t just about on-field performance—it’s about supporting each other through life’s challenges, a value that has become central to the team’s culture.

Set Absence for Key Members of the Houston Texans also includes the planned absence of Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who missed the Texans’ Week 14 game against the Indianapolis Colts to rest a minor knee injury (a “load management” decision by the coaching staff). Tunsil, one of the league’s best pass-blockers, had started every game up to that point, and his absence forced the Texans to move backup tackle Tytus Howard to left tackle and insert rookie Austen Pleasants at right tackle. The Colts, knowing Tunsil would be out, focused their pass rush on the new tackle duo, but Howard and Pleasants held their own: the Texans allowed just one sack, and running back Dameon Pierce rushed for 110 yards behind their blocking. Head coach DeMeco Ryans explained the decision to rest Tunsil as “investing in the long term”: “We have a playoff push ahead, and Laremy’s health is critical. This game gave us a chance to see what Austen and Tytus can do, and they proved they’re ready when called upon.” The Houston Texans’ ability to win without Tunsil—not just by surviving, but by thriving—sent a message to the league: their offensive line has the depth to compete with any defense, even when their star tackle is on the sidelines.

Set Absence for Key Members of the Houston Texans ultimately reveals that these gaps—whether due to injury, personal reasons, or strategy—have been defining moments of the team’s 2024 season. They’ve forced the Texans to rely on players they might not have otherwise, strengthened their depth, and reinforced the idea that “no one is irreplaceable” in a team-focused culture. From Keenum’s steady leadership to Anderson’s breakout performances, from Kiffin’s interim success to Howard’s versatility, each absence has brought out the best in the Texans’ supporting cast. As the team enters the playoff stretch, these experiences have become a source of confidence: they know they can overcome losses, adapt to change, and keep winning even when key members are sidelined. In the end, Set Absence for Key Members of the Houston Texans is a story about resilience—not just surviving setbacks, but using them to become a more cohesive, adaptable, and dangerous team. For the Texans, these absences haven’t been roadblocks; they’ve been stepping stones to their first playoff appearance in five years.