Texans’ injuries mount heading into week 14

Texans will have to do their due diligence with their roster since they have four players in the concussion protocol.

The Houston Texans have yet to release an official injury report after their recent loss against the Tennessee Titans in week 13.

The Texans currently have eight injured players. The NFL requires for 46 players to be active on game day.

Injuries on Offense

The Texans have six players injured on offense. Wide receiver Will Fuller has been sidelined for the last three weeks, since suffering a rib injury against the Los Angeles Rams in week 10.

Rookie left tackle Julie’n Davenport remains injured with a shoulder ailment.

Wide receiver Bruce Ellington went down late in the game against the Titans with a hamstring injury.

Slot receiver Braxton Miller, running back Alfred Blue, and tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz were also injured in the Titans game with a concussion.

There must be some concern with Fiedorowicz suffering his third concussion in 2017. With only four games remaining, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Texans shut him down for the rest of the season.

Look no further than what Texans did with tight end Ryan Griffin, they placed him on injured reserve after he suffered his second concussion this season.

Injuries on Defense

The Texans defense weren’t immune to injuries, two players are banged prior to week 14.

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Inside linebacker Jelani Jenkins suffered a concussion against the Titans. While cornerback Jonathan Joseph has a minor shoulder injury. Joseph seemed rather upbeat after the game and downplayed his injury.

The Reality of the Situation

It’s nearly impossible for a player to clear concussion protocol within a week. Although the severity of the concussion is vital for a player’s timetable.

It’s almost a forgone conclusion that the following players will miss the game against the San Francisco 49ers:

• Braxton Miller  (Concussion)
• Alfred Blue (Concussion)
• CJ Fiedorowicz (Concussion)
• Jelani Jenkins  (Concussion)

Texans will not jeopardize the health of a player for a game that probably won’t matter this late in the season. They are 4-8 and the consecutive losses to the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans have sealed their fate.

With four of the eight injuries being concussions, the Texans will possibly only need to deactivate three more of their injured players to complete their 46-man game day roster.

• Julien Davenport  (AC Joint)
• Bruce Ellington (Hamstring)
• Will Fuller (Cracked Ribs)
• Jonathan Joseph (Shoulder)

I would not be surprised if Joseph is ready to play next Sunday and the other three are kept out of the game due to their significant injuries.

The Texans could also open up roster spots by placing any of the eight players on injured reserve. They could promote a player from their practice squad after doing so.

However, if they decide to stand pat, those injuries would allow the following  players that are normally game day scratches to actually see possible playing time:

• Latroy Lewis OLB
• Chunky Clements NT
• Kyle Fuller G
• Cobi Hamilton WR

Texans will have several decisions to make ahead of week 14.

Update: The Texans placed Bruce Ellington and C.J. Fiedorowicz and on IR.

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