HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610) -- The Texans do not expect cornerback Gareon Conley will play for them this season.
Conley, who was expected to start opposite Bradley Roby this season, is still recovering from arthroscopic ankle surgery over the offseason. He participated in training camp, but is on injured-reserve and has yet to play for the Texans this season.
There have been multiple medical opinions on Conley’s ankle, but ultimately he’s been unable to play, or even practice with the team.
Texans interim head coach Romeo Crennel said Friday during a virtual press conference he is unsure of Conley’s status.
“He's got an injury he's working through,” Crennel said. “He's had it evaluated. It's not where it needs to be.”
Midway through last season, the Texans traded a third-round pick to the Raiders for Conley. It was a pick acquired in the Jadeveon Clowney trade just before the season.
Conley played in eight games and started in six last season.
In the offseason, the Texans decided not to pick up Conley’s fifth-year option, which projected to carry a $2.7 million cap hit in 2021. So it is possible he’s played his final game as a Texan.
Not having Conley this season, along with Lonnie Johnson’s move to safety, has hurt the Texans’ depth at cornerback. They are starting Vernon Hargreaves and Phillip Gaines is playing significant snaps.
The Texans’ pass defense ranks 23rd in DVOA, which measures efficiency, according to Pro Football Outsiders.