Injury Report: Texans Get Promising News Ahead of Ravens Playoff Matchup
The Houston Texans are nearing full-strength days ahead of the Divisional Round matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
Defensive ends Will Anderson Jr. and Jonathan Greenard returned to practice on Thursday and are expected to suit up at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
The duo did not participate in drills on Wednesday as they still are recovering from lower-body injuries.
Defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins and Maliek Collins, linebackers Blake Cashman and Denzel Perryman, and receiver Robert Woods were limited during the media session period but are expected to play. Offensive tackle George Fant (illness), fullback Andrew Beck (back), and defensive end Jerry Hughes (ankle) did not practice Thursday.
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Hughes has been ruled out and will miss his second consecutive game. Beck and Fant were listed as questionable.
Receiver Nico Collins did not participate in drills, though it was listed as a rest day. The Texans' go-to receiver isn't expected to miss the game as Houston looks to punch its ticket to the AFC Championship game for the first time in franchise history.
For the Ravens, cornerback Marlon Humphrey and receiver/returner Tylan Wallace have been ruled out. Humphrey has been dealing with a calf injury that's sidelined him since Christmas Eve. Wallace (knee) has not practiced over the past two weeks.
All eyes in Baltimore are set on the potential return of Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews, who returned to practice for the first time on Tuesday since suffering an ankle injury on Nov. 16.
Andrews, Lamar Jackson's go-to option in the passing game, was a full participant on Wednesday and Thursday. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said despite his return, his status is still "up in the air" headed into the weekend. He is officially listed as questionable.
Baltimore initially thought Andrews had suffered a season-ending injury but then gave him "an outside chance" to return for the playoffs. When asked about his status on Wednesday, the Pro-Bowler said he'd play if he could help the team secure a victory.
"It's how I feel at the end of the day. Just knowing how good this team is, how good our players are, how good our tight ends are, if I feel like I'm going to be helpful to the team, I'm going to go," said Andrews. "If I feel like I'm close but not there, [I'll] let these guys go and hopefully get [there] next weekend."
Houston faced off against Baltimore in the season opener, losing 25-9 on the road. C.J. Stroud was sacked five times and coughed up a fumble in the fourth quarter. Baltimore came out swinging at halftime, scoring 15 points in the third quarter to pull away from the 7-6 score.
Since Week 1, Houston has transformed into a viable threat through the AFC. Baltimore, however, secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 13-4 record, mainly due to their defensive success.
Baltimore leads the NFL in scoring defense this season, holding opponents to 16.5 points per contest.
