NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Texans rookie standout defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was fined $16,391 for a late hit on New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, the NFL announced.
Anderson, who took a few steps before blindsiding Wilson after he threw the football, was flagged for unnecessary roughness during the 30-6 loss to the Jets at MetLife Stadium.
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Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was not fined for his late hit that wasn’t flagged on Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who suffered a concussion and is out for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. Williams wrote on social media he had no ill intent on the hit.
Anderson suffered a high-ankle sprain in the fourth quarter, according to league sources.
Anderson has been in a protective walking boot this week and is out for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.
It’s unclear when he’ll be able to resume football activities.
The infamous artificial turf at MetLife Stadium where several other Texans players got injured Sunday, including quarterback C.J. Stroud (concussion), linebacker Blake Cashman (hamstring), cornerback Tavierre Thomas (hamstring) and wide receiver Nico Collins (calf), is regarded as a factor in Anderson’s injury.
Drafted third overall out of Alabama, Anderson hasn’t missed a game this season. He has 42 tackles, five sacks, eight tackles for losses and 19 quarterback hits. He has 27 pressures.
The former Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Lombardi award winner and Bronko Nagurski award winner recorded two sacks five tackles, four quarterback hits, two tackles for losses and one pass defenses with seven quarterback pressures against the Denver Broncos. He joined Khalil Mack and Micah Parson as the only players to have at least two sacks, two tackles for losses, four quarterback hits and one pass defensed in a single game. Anderson also joined J.J. Watt and Jaelan Phillips as the only two rookies to have that statistical line going back to 1933.
“For Will, I’m really proud of what he’s done throughout this entire year,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “It’s not about just this one game; Will has done this all year. I think now he gets the spotlight because of the numbers or the sacks, and those things, but that’s who he has been all year, and that’s what I’m most proud of. He’s been consistent.
“He’s been wreaking havoc all year, and a lot of people don’t give him the praise he deserves, but you talk about a guy who’s relentless, a guy who shows up every single week and brings it. Opposing offenses know they have to have a plan together to stop Will Anderson, and that’s what he presents every week, and so I’m really proud of him.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.