Texans 'Hopeful' to Get Will Anderson Jr. Back vs. Titans

Houston Texans' Will Anderson Jr. is still recovering from a severe ankle sprain. Still, coach DeMeco Ryans is "hopeful" the rookie standout will return before the end of the season.

HOUSTON — Houston Texans rookie Will Anderson Jr. is on the verge of missing his third consecutive game due to a severe ankle sprain. 

KPRC reported Wednesday morning that Anderson is out of his walking boot and his injury has improved. But despite the encouraging report, Anderson was not at practice Wednesday afternoon at the Houston Methodist Training Center. 

Anderson originally sustained the injury during the Texans' Week 30-6 defeat to the New York Jets on Dec. 10.

Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. reacts after a play during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at NRG Stadium / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

"We will see where Will is going," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "He has made some strives and is moving in the right direction. He has been working out, and we will see what he can tolerate as the week goes along. We are very hopeful to get Will back. He has been very important to what we have done on defense. It would be great to have him back."

Before going down with an injury, Anderson was putting together an impressive rookie season with the Texans. His best game came during Houston's 21-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 19. 

Anderson finished with two tackles and a sack. But his most significant play came during the final defensive drive of the fourth quarter. 

With 35 seconds left, the Cardinals were deep into the Texans' territory on 4th-and-8 when quarterback Kyler Murray tried to complete a pass to wide receiver Marquise Brown. Anderson rushed up the middle for his seventh pressure of the day, and his disruption led to an ineffective pass attempt. Murray's pass was knocked down by defensive back Steven Nelson for a game-winning defensive drive.

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In 13 games this season, Anderson has registered 42 tackles, 27 solo hits, 19 quarterback hits, and 5.0 sacks.

The status of Anderson's return is still in doubt, but rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud took a significant step forward in his potential return. Stroud returned to practice after missing the previous two weeks due to a concussion.