Houston Texans Hit With Unfortunate Injury Update Ahead of Patriots Playoff Clash

The Houston Texans got a gut-punch of an update just days before their Divisional Round showdown against the New England Patriots. As Houston prepares for one of its biggest postseason moments in years, the team learned that a key defensive starter is unlikely to suit up.

According to reporting from Heavy Sports, standout edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is dealing with a lingering ankle issue that has not progressed as hoped. While he has been fighting through the injury for weeks, this latest setback puts his availability in serious jeopardy for the weekend matchup.

The timing could not be worse for a Texans squad tasked with slowing down a surging New England offense. Anderson has been one of Houston’s most disruptive defenders, consistently applying pressure and setting the tone up front. Without him, the Texans may need to rely on rotational depth and creative scheming to generate the same level of intensity.

Why It Matters for Houston

This postseason run has energized the entire city of Houston. With C.J. Stroud playing at an elite level and DeMeco Ryans building a resilient, aggressive culture, many fans felt the team had a real shot at pushing deep into January. Losing Anderson — even if only limited — reshapes the defensive game plan and puts added pressure on the secondary.

New England’s offense has been inconsistent this season, but the Patriots thrive when their opponents cannot generate pressure. For Houston, that makes every snap without Anderson even more costly.

What’s Next

The Texans have not officially ruled Anderson out, but signs point to him being a game-time decision. Houston’s coaching staff will likely prepare for multiple scenarios, including leaning more heavily on rookies and rotational rushers.

Even with the setback, the energy around the city remains electric. Playoff football has returned to Houston, and the Texans have shown all year that they play their best when counted out.

This article is a summary of reporting by Heavy Sports. Read the full story here.