JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Off to a rough start already and down a touchdown on the scoreboard, the Texans absorbed another hit in the first half.
Texans All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr., signed to a three-year, $90 million contract extension during the offseason, left the game with a rib injury and was replaced by Tremon Smith. Stingley went to the locker room for further evaluation. He is listed as questionable to return.
One game after rookie wide receiver Jaylin Noel had a breakthrough punt return, former All-Pro returner Braxton Berrios is a healthy scratch for Sunday’s road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Noel had a 53-yard punt return against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Monday night.
Defensive end Darrell Taylor, the top backup to Pro Bowl pass rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, was limited in practice earlier in the week with a hip injury.
Running backs Dameon Pierce and British Brooks are both healthy scratches along with offensive tackle Blake Fisher and third quarterback Graham Mertz and tight end Brenden Bates, who was signed off the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad this week.
Brooks was active last game, but the elevations of defensive backs D’Angelo Ross and Myles Bryant took away the need to have him up for special teams.
Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai, signed recently to a one-year, $3.3 million extension, is active for the first time this season. The Texans struggled against the run against the Buccaneers in a 20-19 loss, missing several tackles and were vulnerable up the middle.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
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