The Houston Texans took the practice field for the second time in Week 16, ahead of their matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, and Nick Chubb’s continued participation was not the only encouraging roster development of the session.
Houston has righted itself after a rocky start to the season. However, injuries have been a constant hindrance, forcing shake-ups among multiple position groups.
Their final injury report of Week 16 offered more good news than bad.
Texans Get Good News in 2nd Practice of Week 16
GettyNick Chubb #21 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers .
Chubb practiced for the second straight day, after he was forced to miss the Texans’ Week 15 win over the Arizona Cardinals . In his stead, the Texans planned to lean on Woody Marks , though he was also forced to the sideline with an injury.
Marks did not participate in either of the Texans’ first two practice sessions of the week, making Chubb’s availability paramount.
Second-year back Jawhar Jordan and veteran Dare Ogunbowale are the Texans’ other backs.
Chubb was not alone in an overall encouraging day for the Texans, who also saw cornerback Kamari Lassiter participate in practice for the first time in Week 16. Lassiter is navigating a foot injury. He missed the first two practice sessions of Week 15.
However, he logged a limited session to end the week of preparation and played against the Cardinals .
Notably, despite his limited practice reps, the Texans did not give Lassiter an injury designation .
Lassiter is part of a secondary for the Texans that remains stout despite fielding several different iterations due to injuries and other roster decisions. His presence is key. There is less certainty across from him.
Derek Stingley Logs Back-to-Back DNPs
GettyDerek Stingley #24 of the Houston Texans warms up before facing the Tennessee Titans .
While Chubb and Lassiter practiced for the Texans on Thursday, Marks and, additionally, All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. did not. That leaves questions about whether they will have to shake up their cornerback and/or running back rooms again for game day.
Stingley sat out on Thursday with an oblique injury. Like Lassiter, he has not missed any games despite dealing with the same or a similar issue earlier in the season.
Stingley has been off the Texans’ injury report since Week 5.
If Stingley follows a similar pattern as his first bout with the oblique issue, that would mean logging at least a limited session on Friday in hopes of suiting up at home against the Raiders on Sunday.
Friday’s injury report will be highly anticipated, not only for Stingley’s game status, but also Marks and several others.
Texans Still Uncertain at Several Positions
GettyAzeez Al-Shaair #0 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Buffalo Bills .
Of the eight players the Texans listed as non-participants on Wednesday, Marks and Stingley are the only two who did not progress to at least a limited session on Thursday.
In addition to Lassiter, who was limited, the Texans got linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and E.J. Speed , defensive linemen Denico Autry and Sheldon Rankins , and starting right tackle Trent Brown back on the practice field.
Chubb and defensive end Darrell Taylor upgraded from limited to full sessions.
There is a new concern for the Texans, though, despite Chubb and Lassiter’s progress. Texans long snapper Jake Hansen popped up on Wednesday’s injury report with a chest issue.
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