Texans injured corner Kamari Lassiter worked on side at Friday practice, limited, still trying to play Sunday vs. Chiefs

HOUSTON – Texans standout cornerback Kamari Lassiter worked on the side Friday morning at practice, not participating in drills during the portion open to reporters.

Lassiter missed practice Wednesday and Thursday due to a foot injury. Lassiter is still attempting to play Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, and his status is still being determined, per sources.

Sources emphasized Thursday that it wouldn’t be a long-term injury. The fact that Lassiter is making progress underscores that fact.

Lassiter has started every game this season for the 7-5 Texans, recording 66 tackles, two interceptions, and 10 passes defensed.

If he can’t go, the Texans would likely start Tremon Smith in his place opposite All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr.

The Texans were awarded cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram off waivers from the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.

Meanwhile, rookie running back Woody Marks returned to practice from an ankle injury initially characterized as a foot injury last Sunday when he left the game and returned to tough it out in a road win.

Marks rushed for a team-high 64 yards on 19 carries Sunday in a 20-16 win.

Pro Bowl defensive end Will Anderson Jr. returned to practice Thursday after missing one day with chest and shoulder injuries.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans indicated Wednesday that Marks, defensive end Anderson Jr. and Lassiter should all be fine for Sunday’s game. Lassiter’s game status, though, is still in doubt.

Offensive tackle Trent Brown returned to practice after being held out for one day, which is the way the Texans have managed his broken finger, for the past few weeks.

Defensive lineman Denico Autry (knee) returned to practice.

Not practicing and out for Sunday’s game: safety Jaylen Reed and linebacker Jamal Hill.

“You see the toughness that Woody exhibits,” Ryans said Sunday. “He’s used to carrying the load. But he did an outstanding job of just pushing through. That’s what you talk about, the injuries, the getting nicked up in the game, toughing it out, coming back, battling and wanting the football at the end of the game to close it out.

“Like you can’t say enough good things about Woody and how he’s just grown, how he’s done a great job throughout this entire year of carrying the football for us.”

When Marks headed off the field in the Texans second drive of the game, he was visibly limping. He went into the blue medical tent for examination and then ran on the sideline with trainer Roland Ramirez watching him. Marks got cleared and went back in the game and he finished strong.

“Out for the game?” Marks said. “Oh, no, I ain’t never out for the game. No matter what. No matter what the situation is, I ain’t never out.”

Marks has rushed for 486 yards and two touchdowns. He has 18 catches for 188 yards and two scores.

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com