Houston Texans News

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Nick Chubb • RB • Texans

Nick Chubb Not Expected to Return to Texans in 2026

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb, who will be a free agent in March, won't be returning to the team for next season, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Dare Ogunbowale will also be a free agent, but he has a better shot at potentially re-signing for backfield depth. Chubb began the 2025 campaign as Houston's lead RB with Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but he lost the job to rookie Woody Marks halfway through the year. The 30-year-old veteran averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 122 rushing attempts for 506 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in 15 regular-season games for the Texans. The four-time Pro Bowler just has not looked like the same player since suffering a gruesome knee injury in 2023 with the Browns, in which he tore multiple ligaments. At best, Chubb will be backfield depth in 2026 if he latches on with another team in free agency.

6 days ago

Cade Stover • TE • Texans

Cade Stover Avoids ACL Damage

Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover's (knee) MRI exam showed no damage to his ACL, a league source told Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Sports. Stover was unable to make much happen after fellow tight end Dalton Schultz (calf) left the Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots before getting hurt himself in the fourth quarter. The 25-year-old caught one of his three targets for only two yards. The good news is that Stover should be a full-go for training camp in the summer and for Week 1 of the regular season in the fall. In his second year in the league, the former fourth-rounder caught just 12 passes for 76 yards and no touchdowns on 16 targets in nine regular-season games. As long as Schultz is healthy going into the start of the season, Stover won't be fantasy relevant. He had a 15-133-1 line in 15 games in 2024 in his rookie campaign.

7 days ago

Dalton Schultz • TE • Texans

Dalton Schultz is "Going to be OK"

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said on Wednesday that tight end Dalton Schultz (calf) is "going to be OK" after getting hurt in the Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday, according to Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle. Caserio also added that tight end Cade Stover (knee) "avoided serious injury" and should be ready for the offseason program. Before getting hurt on Sunday, Schultz caught both of his targets for 47 yards and was on his way to a big game. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old never returned. He wrapped up his third season in Houston and eighth NFL season overall with a career-high 82 receptions on 106 targets for 777 yards and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. Schultz was the TE11 in half-PPR scoring, but for him to become a legitimate TE1 in fantasy, quarterback C.J. Stroud must improve as a passer.

7 days ago

Joe Mixon • RB • Texans

Joe Mixon's Condition Never Improved

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said on Wednesday that running back Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) had a medical condition that never improved, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. "He didn't jump off a building. He wasn't doing anything irresponsible. It was a freak thing," Caserio said. The Texans were extremely vague with Mixon's injury all year, and he never ended up playing in 2025. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday that Mixon's status for the 2026 season is also uncertain due to his injury. Unexpectedly, the Texans struggled for consistent production out of their backfield with a mix of veteran Nick Chubb and Woody Marks. Marks took over halfway through the year and should be heavily involved again next season, even if Mixon returns. Needless to say, a lot of fantasy managers won't want anything to do with Mixon in 2026.

7 days ago

Tank Dell • WR • Texans

Tank Dell on Schedule to Take Part in Offseason Workouts

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) is on schedule to participate in offseason workouts, according to general manager Nick Caserio. "Tank is doing awesome. We would anticipate him being ready for the start of the offseason program," Caserio said. Head coach DeMeco Ryans also said earlier this week that he was excited to see Dell return next season. Dell was on the Physically Unable to Perform list for the entire 2025 season after he tore his ACL, MCL, and LCL in Week 16 of the 2024 season. The 26-year-old needed multiple surgeries to fix his knee, although he appears to be making notable progress and could be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season this fall, depending on how he progresses during the offseason. The Texans are optimistic that Dell will be able to contribute next year, but in what could be a crowded WR room in Houston, fantasy managers should pump the brakes on Dell returning to fantasy relevance immediately.

7 days ago

Jaylin Smith • CB • Texans

Jaylin Smith on Track to Play Next Season

Houston Texans cornerback Jaylin Smith (knee) had season-ending knee surgery, but he has made steady progress in his recovery and is on track to play next season, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Sports. Smith, who was a third-round pick by Houston last April, was placed on Injured Reserve in early November. The 22-year-old defensive back also missed four games in his first NFL season with a hamstring injury, so he finished with only six tackles (three solo) and a fumble recovery in his four games played. When he was on the field, though, Smith played well as the team's third cornerback behind Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. It's unclear yet if Smith will be ready for the Week 1 season opener, but he should be available at some point in 2026. The Texans will be hoping he'll be on the field more as he looks to develop in Year 2.

Jan 21

C.J. Stroud • QB • Texans

C.J. Stroud Says he's Still Learning the Offense

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw four interceptions in the first half of the Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots, becoming just the second QB since 1991 to throw four picks in a playoff half. The No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL draft has rapidly regressed since his impressive rookie season. The Texans are expected to pick up his fifth-year option, but so far, the Texans are non-committal on a long-term contract extension for Stroud. Under first-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley in 2025, Stroud completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions. Despite having three playoff wins in his three seasons, Stroud has just five TDs with six interceptions and seven fumbles (two lost) in the postseason. Stroud said he was still "getting adjusted" to the new offense this year. Perhaps he'll be better in 2026 if Caley sticks around as the OC, but for fantasy purposes, Stroud has become a QB2 instead of a legitimate QB1 option.

Jan 20

Tank Dell • WR • Texans

Tank Dell to Return Next Season?

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday that he's "excited" to see wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) back on the field for the 2026 season, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Sports. Dell missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his ACL, MCL, and LCL in Week 16 of 2024. The 26-year-old spent all of 2025 rehabbing after having multiple surgeries to fix his knee. Dell's timeline to return to football activities is unknown, so we don't know exactly yet whether he'll be ready for training camp in the summer, preseason, or the start of the 2026 campaign in the fall. The former third-round pick is fortunate to even have the chance to play football again after his devastating knee injury, so expecting him to become fantasy relevant in his final year under contract might be a stretch, especially after the Texans added wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Jan 20

Joe Mixon • RB • Texans

Joe Mixon's Future With the Texans is Cloudy

When asked whether he expects a future with running back Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) on Monday, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said, "As of right now, I don't know that," according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Mixon didn't play at all during the 2025 season, yet the Texans managed to make the playoffs for the third straight year without him. The 29-year-old's future in Houston depends entirely on the health of his foot/ankle going into next season. From a contractual perspective, Mixon is with the team through the 2026 season. Veteran Nick Chubb opened the year as Houston's primary running back before rookie Woody Marks took over in the second half. Even if Mixon recovers this offseason and is ready to go for the season opener this fall, he won't be guaranteed to get the RB1 job back with Marks around.

Jan 20

C.J. Stroud • QB • Texans

Texans Don't Want to Talk About C.J. Stroud Extension

When asked about quarterback C.J. Stroud and a potential long-term contract extension, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said, "I'm not getting into that right now." Stroud will most likely have his fifth-year option picked up by Houston, but all bets are off as far as long-term extension talks go after a rough two-game performance in the playoffs this year. The 24-year-old former second overall pick in 2023 out of Ohio State threw an interception and fumbled five times (two lost) in the Wild-Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers before going 20-for-47 for 212 yards, one touchdown, and a season-high four interceptions in the loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday in the Divisional Round. Stroud burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2023, but since then, he's had two disappointing campaigns that raise questions in Houston about whether he's actually the long-term answer under center.

Jan 19

Jayden Higgins • WR • Texans

Jayden Higgins Hauls in Six Catches on 10 Targets

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins caught six of his 10 targets for 59 yards during Sunday's Divisional Round loss against the New England Patriots. Higgins took on a larger role with Nico Collins (concussion) sidelined, and it resulted in him leading the team in both catches and receiving yards. The Iowa State product put together a strong rookie campaign, catching 41 passes for 525 yards and six touchdowns through 17 regular-season games. He added another 14 catches and 98 yards in the playoffs. Heading into next year, Higgins will continue to face competition for targets from Nico Collins and Jaylin Noel. Christian Kirk is expected to depart in free agency, but Tank Dell (knee) should take his place on offense and will create additional competition. There are a lot of mouths to feed in Houston, but Higgins will have a chance to emerge as the No. 2 target behind Collins.

Jan 19

C.J. Stroud • QB • Texans

C.J. Stroud Picked Off Four Times in Playoff Loss

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 20 of his 47 pass attempts for 212 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions during Sunday's Divisional Round loss against the New England Patriots. He also took three sacks and rushed for 11 yards. The former No. 2 pick had an ugly game, and his turnovers proved to be the difference-maker in Houston's two-possession loss. It was previously reported that the Texans have decided to pick up Stroud's fifth-year option for 2027, and while that decision isn't official yet, Sunday's game likely won't change much. However, this frustrating performance could have some impact on whether Stroud earns a long-term extension in the future. He is now 3-3 in the playoffs through three seasons, totaling six touchdowns, six interceptions, and seven fumbles during that span. He'll look to clean up the turnovers ahead of the 2026 regular season. He should rank as a fringe top-12 fantasy quarterback heading into next summer's fantasy drafts.

Jan 19

Cade Stover • TE • Texans

Texans Rule Out Cade Stover on Sunday with a Knee Injury

Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's AFC Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots with a knee injury. He suffered a knee injury during the fourth quarter and will not return on Sunday. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, his knee injury appeared significant. Dalton Schultz also exited Sunday's game earlier with a calf issue, and now leaves Harrison Bryant as the only healthy tight end for the Texans. Stover caught one of three targets for two yards before exiting. The 25-year-old will undergo additional tests after the game to determine the severity of the injury. Bryant should see an expanded role with both Schultz and Stover out.

Jan 18

Woody Marks • RB • Texans

Woody Marks Returns Following Brief Exit on Sunday

Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks (shoulder) has returned to Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the New England Patriots. Marks had exited during the second quarter and was initially listed as questionable, but he returned to the game just a few minutes later. The Texans trailed by two possessions late in the second quarter, so they'll benefit from getting their No. 1 ball-carrier back as they look to mount a comeback. At the time of his departure, though, Marks had just seven rushing yards on eight carries, plus a six-yard reception. He and the Texans' offensive line will need to play better for the rushing attack to find more success in the final 30-plus minutes of game action.

Jan 18

Woody Marks • RB • Texans

Woody Marks Questionable to Return Against Patriots

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (shoulder) exited during the second quarter of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the New England Patriots. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had just seven rushing yards on eight carries, plus a six-yard reception. The rookie has dealt with a variety of minor injuries throughout the regular season and playoffs, and now, he's on the sideline again. Nick Chubb has taken over as Houston's primary running back in his absence, leading a backfield that also features Dare Ogunbowale and British Brooks. The Texans will need more production from both their rushing attack and passing attack as they look to come back from an 11-point deficit late in the first half.

Jan 18

Dalton Schultz • TE • Texans

Dalton Schultz Won't Return in Sunday's AFC Divisional Round Game

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (calf) won't return in Sunday's AFC Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots after suffering a calf injury. Schultz exited the first quarter with a calf issue and has been ruled out for the rest of the game. The 29-year-old caught two passes for 47 yards before leaving. Cade Stover and Harrison Bryant will handle tight end duties and will see an uptick in targets with Schultz sidelined. C.J. Stroud is already without top wideout Nico Collins (concussion) and will now be without his starting tight end. If the Texans advance to the AFC Championship versus the Denver Broncos, Schultz will have a week to recover, but is considered day-to-day for now.

Jan 18

Dalton Schultz • TE • Texans

Dalton Schultz Questionable to Return on Sunday

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (calf) is questionable to return in Sunday's AFC Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots with a calf injury. Schultz headed to the locker room during the first quarter after being forced out of the game. He caught both of his targets for 47 yards before exiting early. Cade Stover and Harrison Bryant should see an uptick in targets and have an expanded role while Schultz is sidelined. Stay tuned for more updates.

Jan 18

Jawhar Jordan • RB • Texans

Jawhar Jordan a Healthy Scratch in Divisional Round

Houston Texans running back Jawhar Jordan is a healthy inactive for the Divisional Round contest on Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to the team's official website. Jordan suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts and didn't play in the Wild-Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night. The 26-year-old returned to practice this week, though, and was eventually removed from Friday's final injury report. Jordan took over RB2 duties from veteran Nick Chubb late in the year, but Chubb will handle backup duties behind rookie Woody Marks in New England on Sunday. Chubb had double-digit carries (10) against the Steelers for the first time since Nov. 2, but a lot of his work came in garbage time in the second half in the 30-6 blowout win. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting Chubb to handle much volume against the Pats.

Jan 18

Jayden Higgins • WR • Texans

Jayden Higgins Could Lead Texans in Targets Against Patriots

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jayden Higgins could be the team's leading receiver and target earner in their Divisional Round matchup on Sunday versus the New England Patriots, with top wideout Nico Collins (concussion) sidelined by a concussion that he suffered in Monday night's Wild-Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 23-year-old was Houston's third leading WR during the regular season with 41 catches, 525 yards, and six touchdowns on 68 targets over 17 games. Higgins was tied for the team lead in TDs with Collins. He was outside the top-50 wideouts in half-PPR fantasy points per game in his first NFL regular season, but the bump in role against New England should be enough to make Higgins a more attractive fantasy streamer in postseason leagues. The Patriots' defense isnt' the greatest matchup, but Higgins has scored in two of the last three games.

Jan 17

Justin Watson • WR • Texans

Justin Watson Won't Play Against Patriots

Houston Texans wide receiver Justin Watson (concussion) didn't practice all week and has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots. Watson suffered a concussion in Monday night's Wild-Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Texans advance to the AFC Championship next weekend, Watson won't be guaranteed to be ready to return. In addition to Watson being out, the Texans will also be without top receiver Nico Collins, who also suffered a concussion on Monday against the Steelers. Rookie Jayden Higgins and Christian Kirk, who had 144 receiving yards on Monday, should be the team's top two receivers, with rookie Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson also having elevated roles on offense.

Jan 16

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