HOUSTON – Texans linebacker Blake Cashman, the defense’s leading tackler with 87 stops, is expected to be out for at least Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans, if not a few weeks, due to a strained hamstring, according to league sources.
Cashman got hurt in Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. If Cashman, who has nine tackles for losses, one interception and two sacks, is out, the Texans would likely go with a three-linebacker alignment of Denzel Perryman at Mike, Jake Hansen at Sam and Christian Harris at Will.
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Texans wide receiver Nico Collins’ status is still being determined, per a league source. Collins strained his calf for the second time this season on Sunday and was walking and in good spirits after the game. Collins’ condition is improving and he hasn’t been ruled out for this game, per sources.
The last time Collins injured his calf, he missed one game. Collins leads the Texans with a career-high 60 receptions for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns. Without Collins, the Texans’ passing game nosedived against the Jets with quarterback C.J. Stroud passing for a season-low 91 yards while being sacked four times and hit six times overall. There wasn’t much separation created by the receiving corps without Collins.
Texans cornerback and special teams contributor Tavierre Thomas strained his hamstring and is expected to miss a few weeks, per sources. Thomas has played in nine games with five starts and has 51 tackles, two for losses and two forced fumbles.
Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr, who has five sacks, eight tackles for losses and 19 quarterback hits, injured his ankle against the Jets and didn’t finish the game. Anderson has yet to miss a game this season despite a variety of injuries and was walking normally after the game.
Stroud, the favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year who ranks second in Pro Bowl balloting amongst all players, suffered a concussion against the Jets. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans emphasized the team will operate in Stroud’s best long-term medical interest in determining whether he can play this week. The NFL has a five-step mandatory concussion protocol that includes a baseline neurological exam before Stroud can be cleared to practice or play in a game.
If Stroud is out for the Titans game, then backup Davis Mills will start with Case Keenum backing him up.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.