Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (hand) is officially inactive for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. Anderson was on the injury report this week with a hand injury but was cleared from Friday's report. With the Texans being locked into the No. 4 seed in the AFC for the postseason, the Texans are giving Anderson and some of their other defenders a break this weekend. In addition to Anderson, cornerback Jeff Okudah (concussion), linebacker Christian Harris (ankle), defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi (ankle) and defensive end Denico Autry (knee) will sit out against the Titans. Despite some key defenders being out, the Texans defense is a borderline starting option for fantasy lineups while facing the lowly Titans offense and turnover-prone quarterback Will Levis.
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (hand) was a limited participant during Monday's practice session. It's worth noting that it's a estimated practice report, so fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into it. Anderson appears to have suffered a hand injury, but played his normal amount of snaps during Saturday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. This could be the Texans just being cautious with Anderson to begin the week. The assumption is that he'll be fine in time for Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) logged three practice sessions this week and is set to return this weekend to face the Tennessee Titans, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The former No.3 overall selection of the 2023 NFL Draft missed the past two games with this ankle injury but is expected to return in this divisional tilt. Before the injury, the sophomore edge rusher tallied 27 tackles (20 solo), 7.5 sacks and one pass deflection. Fantasy managers in IDP formats should view Anderson as a solid option for sacks this weekend. In addition, with Anderson set to return, the Texans are shaping up to be an elite streaming option facing an inconsistent Tennessee offense.
Will Anderson Jr. Back At Practice After Missing Week 11
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) was limited in practice on Wednesday. Anderson's return to practice is a welcome sight for fantasy managers who were planning on rolling out the Texans D/ST in Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans. The star second-year player is a key cog in a solid Texans defense. Anderson has racked up 7.5 sacks in nine games played in 2024. Should Anderson play this week, he is sure to sack Titans quarterback Will Levis at least once, if not multiple times. The Texans boast the No. 6 D/ST in fantasy in 2024. The Titans happen to be the best matchup for opposing D/STs in fantasy this season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation to ensure that Anderson will be active. However, with Anderson trending towards playing this week, the Texans should be 100% rostered and started throughout fantasy football leagues.
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Anderson suffered an ankle injury in Week 9 and hasn't been able to suit up since then. The 23-year-old has 7.5 sacks and 27 tackles through his nine games this season. His absence is certainly going to be a hit to this defensive unit heading into Monday's game. The absence of Anderson should mean more snaps for Jerry Hughes and Derek Barnett.
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) was unable to practice all week and was officially ruled out on Friday to play in the Week 10 showdown on Sunday night against the Detroit Lions. Anderson injured his ankle in the Week 9 loss to the New York Jets last Thursday night and wasn't able to make enough progress to play this weekend. It's a big blow to Houston's pass rush against a high-octane Lions offense. In addition, the Detroit offensive line has been stingy allowing opposing pass-rushers to get their hands on quarterback Jared Goff in 2024. With Anderson out at least one game, Derek Barnett will be counted on more across from defensive end Danielle Hunter. Fantasy managers should be looking to fade the Texans defense/special teams unit in a bad matchup this Sunday evening.
Will Anderson Jr. Leaves Thursday Night With Ankle Injury
Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) was forced to leave their Thursday night game against the New York Jets after suffering an ankle injury in the first quarter. The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year seemed to have his ankle rolled on as he tried to tackle the ball carrier and looked to be in a lot of pain. After getting his ankle taped, he tried returning to the game but was ultimately ruled out in the second quarter. Ian Rapoport says that his injury is worth monitoring going into next week, but Anderson will benefit from extra days of rest since they don't play until Sunday night of next week.
Houston Texans second-year pass-rusher Will Anderson said he added 15 pounds to his frame this offseason and is now at 263 pounds heading into the 2024 season. Anderson said he felt last year guys were tossing him around. Despite the added weight, he has maintained his speed. The 22-year-old third overall pick from a year ago out of Alabama was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 after recording 45 tackles (29 solo), seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 22 QB hits in 15 regular-season games in his first year in the league for the Texans. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues may be worried that the added weight will slow Anderson down, but last year's production alone makes him worthy as a top-10 fantasy defensive lineman in those formats for an up-and-coming Houston defense.
Will Anderson Wins Defensive Rookie Of The Year Award
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson was named the NFL's 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday. The Texans hit a home run in last year's draft, as Anderson (the third overall pick) and quarterback C.J. Stroud (the second overall pick) took home the rookie awards this year. The 22-year-old Anderson had a total of 45 tackles (29 solo), seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 22 QB hits in 15 regular season games for Houston. With Stroud on offense and Anderson on defense, the Texans have building blocks on both sides of the ball that have extremely bright futures. Anderson should have a bigger role in his second NFL season in 2024 and will certainly be on the radar of fantasy managers in IDP formats after his strong rookie campaign.
Will Anderson Jr. Has A Favorable Matchup In Week 15
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. has a favorable matchup against the sack-prone Tennessee Titans in Week 15. The first-round rookie has had an up-and-down season. He has played over 500 snaps, two-thirds of the Texans' defensive snaps, but he only has 5.0 sacks. But four of his sacks have come in the past six games, including two against the Denver Broncos in Week 13. The Titans are one of the most favorable matchups for opposing IDP defensive ends because not only have they allowed the fifth-most sacks, they have also allowed the second-most QB hits, which is another way defensive players can score fantasy points. Based on his previous production, Anderson is a risky play, but it could pay off.
Will Anderson Jr.
• DE
•
Texans
