The Houston Texans are looking to win back-to-back games after an impressive win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3. This week, they are playing a Pittsburgh Steelers team that built some momentum in recent weeks and will want to keep that trend going.
The challenge for the Texans is they are not going to be anywhere near full strength with a number of starters expected to miss this game based on the injury report. The depth is going to be tested but it does open the door for some players to step up and most of these players in that category are the ones to watch in Week 4.
5 Houston Texans who need to step up in Week 4 against Pittsburgh Steelers
Austin Deculus
The one player that is probably the biggest unknown at this point is offensive tackle Austin Deculus, who not only is in line for his first career start but would play his first snap on offense in a regular season game.
The Texans are dealing with a number of injuries at offensive tackle with Tytus Howard on injured reserve, Laremy Tunsil set to miss his third straight game and Josh Jones also expected to miss after sitting out the first two practices. The options are limited and this means Austin Deculus is the next man up at left tackle.
It is a tough task for any player making their first career start but it gets even tougher with T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith lined up across from you. C.J. Stroud might not have much time in the pocket in this game and the coaching staff is going to have to scheme something to help Deculus in this game.
Tank Dell
Tank Dell was the Texans third round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and has already had some big games early in his career. After catching three receptions for 34 yards in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, Dell would catch seven passes for 72 yards and secure his first career touchdown in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts.
One of the strengths of his game is his speed, which was on full display last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars as he would have 145 receiving yards on only five receptions, which included a 68-yard reception.
Tank Dell is becoming a big part of this offense and one of the favorite targets for C.J. Stroud. The deep threat in the passing game is important but this week it would be great to see Bobby Slowik utilize Dell on sweeps and screen plays as a way to try and slow down the pass rush of the Steelers when possible.
Henry To'oto'o
Another starter who is expected to miss this week is linebacker Denzel Perryman, who is dealing with a hand/wrist injury. He missed last week's game and was not able to practice the first two practices leading up to Week 4.
This means that rookie Henry To'oto'o should be in line for his third career start and will be looking to build off a career game against the Jaguars. In that game, he had a career high in solo tackles (6), total tackles (10) and his first career pass defended.
The Pittsburgh Steelers offense hasn't performed at the level it should with the talent it has. It wouldn't be surprising to see them try to focus on To'oto'o with running back Najee Harris but also Jaylen Warren, who is a fast, change of pace running back.
Will Anderson Jr.
Another player on the defense who needs to have a big game is third overall pick Will Anderson Jr. as the Texans pass rush needs to get going. Through three games, the Texans have only four sacks which is tied for the fourth fewest to begin the season.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide pass rusher does have one of those sacks but he was drafted to be the leader of this group. It might be tough to ask a rookie to lead but the defense needs a spark and if Will Anderson Jr. can make an impact early, it could open up more opportunities for players like Jonathan Greenard and Jerry Hughes.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have allowed eight sacks this season and there will be chances for the Texans pass rush in this game. If Will Anderson Jr. and the rest of the pass rush can get pressure on Kenny Pickett, it will help a secondary that is also dealing with their fair share of injuries.
Dameon Pierce
It has been a slow start for running back Dameon Pierce in his second season in the NFL. The former fourth round pick had a great rookie season but missed the final three regular season games due to an ankle injury.
He was ready for the start of the 2023 season but hasn't been the same running back this season. Pierce only has 100 rushing yards on the season and the past two games have averaged less than 2.5 yards per carry. The good news is that he did get into the end zone against the Jaguars for his first touchdown of the season.
The Texans are going to want to establish the run in this game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It will take some pressure off rookie C.J. Stroud and if they find success early, it can open play action and once again be a way to try and slow down this Steelers' pass rush.
The coaching staff has certainly given Pierce plenty of opportunities to begin the season with double digit carries in each game. That trend needs to continue but it is on Pierce now to do more with those opportunities.