Houston Texans under big lights with big injuries
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C.J. Stroud knows the game under pressure. Photo: Cooper Neill/Getty Images
The Texans kick off a three-week stint of nationally televised games this week with "Thursday Night Football" against the New York Jets.
Why it matters: More people will be watching how Houston (6-2) handles the pressure of prime-time on a short week with several starters injured.
Zoom in: Star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is out for the season after suffering a non-contact torn ACL during Sunday's narrow victory over the Indianapolis Colts, and fellow wide receiver Nico Collins will be on the injured list for at least another week.
- Starting safeties Jimmie Ward and Calen Bullock are both questionable, and third-string safety Brandon Hill is on the injured list.
- Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and left guard Jarrett Patterson also remain questionable.
Yes, but: The Texans still have C.J. Stroud, their exceptional quarterback and unquestionable leader on the field.
- Wide receiver Tank Dell, drafted out of the University of Houston in 2023, will also play a key role offensively Thursday night as Diggs sits out.
What they're saying: "I know I have to step up," Dell told the Houston Chronicle. "I know I have some shoes to fill."
- "[Diggs] wants us to win it all," Dell said. "That's my guy, and he knows we're ready to go out there and rock out for him. And if the worlds were switched, I know he'd be ready to do it for each and every one of us."
The big picture: Thursday's bout with the Jets (2-6), played in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, is the first of three nationally televised games in a row for the Texans.
- They then play Nov. 10 on "Sunday Night Football" against the Detroit Lions in Houston followed by a "Monday Night Football" matchup Nov. 18 with the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington.
What's next: Kickoff is at 7:15pm on Prime Video.