'Next Man Up!': Will Anderson Jr. and Blake Cashman OUT vs. Browns

Despite taking the field without rookie stars Will Anderson Jr. and C.J. Stroud for the second consecutive week, the Houston Texans will try to keep their playoff hopes alive against the Cleveland Browns.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans will continue to be short-handed during their Week 16 contest against the Cleveland Browns Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium. 

The Texans will play their second game without the services of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who remains in concussion protocol following a hit taken by New York Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams on Dec. 10.

However, Stroud isn't the only Texan who will be sidelined against the Browns. The Texans have officially ruled out defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and linebacker Blake Cashman for the second consecutive week, who sustained their respective injuries against the Jets. 

Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. is blocked by Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) in the second half at NRG Stadium / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Anderson went down with an ankle injury at MetLife Stadium, while Cashman departed in the first quarter following a wounded hamstring. 

Although the results of Sunday's game will have significant implications on the AFC postseason race, coach DeMeco Ryans isn't worried about the number of players who will be absent against the Browns.

"The next man up approach — it’s really about seizing your opportunity," Ryans said. "If somebody went down with an injury that was an opportunity for me to step up and showcase, ‘Alright, what can I do as a player?’ It’s always an opportunity and you have to be ready for that moment when your number is called and show why you belong."

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Wide receiver Nico Collins sustained a calf injury against the Jets. He missed the Texans' Week 15 victory over the Tennessee Titans but has been upgraded to questionable against the Browns. Veterans Maliek Collins (hip) and Denzel Perryman (Achilles) are also questionable.