The Houston Texans listed 10 players on their first injury report for this week.
DID NOT PARTICIPATE:
WR Brandin Cooks (wrist): The Texans are doing Cooks a courtesy by listing him with an injury for why he did not practice. This wrist injury has not been the primary reason he has not been practicing/playing, obviously. Every member of the team that has spoken to the media in the past week has referenced how much they like Cooks and view him as their leader. Whether he practices tomorrow will go a long way towards knowing what the situation is with Cooks and the team.
LB Neville Hewitt (hamstring): Hewitt is primarily a special teamer. He did not play Week 9.
DL Jerry Hughes (rest): This is Hughes’ standard Wednesday off for rest.
LIMITED PARTICIPATION:
DL Maliek Collins (chest): Collins was initially injured in the Raiders game. He did not play Week 9. Normally Collins would have Wednesdays off, so the fact he practiced today is a good sign. Head coach Lovie Smith is optimistic Collins will be available Sunday.
WR Nico Collins (groin): Collins has been out since getting injured against the Raiders as well. His limited practice is a big step in the right direction for him, and Smith also expressed optimism Wednesday that Collins could be available Sunday.
WR Phillip Dorsett (ankle): Dorsett played 77% of the Texans’ offensive snaps Thursday vs. the Eagles, good for second most on the team among WRs. Dorsett’s role this week will depend on whether Collins is available to play and whether Cooks decides he wants to play.
DL Jaleel Johnson (illness): Signed earlier in the week, Johnson stepped in and played 62% of the Texans’ defensive snaps and contributed a fumble recovery. He also helped clog the running lanes to contribute to the run defense. The most important part of this is that Johnson is not injured, so as long as he can get over whatever is making him sick, he will be good to go.
RB Dameon Pierce (chest/shoulder): Pierce logged 78% of the offensive snaps Week 9, along with 27 carries for 139 yards. Pierce is a beast. He is going to play.
LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (groin): Reeves-Maybin is primarily a special teamer. He is likely to be ready to play Sunday.
FULL PARTICIPATION:
OL Justin McCray (concussion): Good news for McCray as he is working his way back from a concussion.