The Houston Texans are going to be severely undermanned going into Sunday’s clash against the Cleveland Browns, traveling to Ohio without several high-profile starters across both sides of the ball.
The defensive unit absorbs the heaviest blows, missing two of its biggest playmakers in All-Pro defensive end Danielle Hunter and Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Hunter, who has racked up four sacks this season to tie for second on the team, is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Al-Shaair is out once again due to a lingering groin issue that has hampered him since Week 3. Al-Shaair serves as the defensive anchor and play-caller wearing the green dot, leading the Texans with 68 total tackles.
The offense is similarly depleted, missing crucial depth weapons and key starters. Running back David Montgomery has officially been ruled out after missing action since Week 5 due to a groin injury, though he did provide an encouraging sign of progress by returning to practice this week. Recently acquired wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., who has posted six receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown across three games in Houston, will also watch from the sidelines due to a hamstring injury. Rounding out the injury report is rookie guard Keylan Rutledge, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury as the Texans look to weather the storm on the road.
Entering this matchup, the Texans hold a 3–5 record and sit in second place in the AFC South standings behind the Jacksonville Jaguars.
