(SportsRadio 610) - Already beleaguered by injuries, the Texans' secondary took yet another blow with nickel cornerback Tavierre Thomas suffering a broken hand in Sunday's 31-20 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Thomas suffered a broken bone in his hand and is expected to undergo surgery, KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson reported Monday. Thomas played through the injury with a soft cast, but is expected to miss time for the surgery and recovery.
It was not immediately clear what roster moves, if any, the Texans will make to compensate for Thomas' loss. Wilson points out Grayland Arnold is the top candidate to replace Thomas in the slot. The Texans could also move Nelson from outside corner to inside, and play Shaq Griffin outside in Nelson's place.
What's clear is the Texans will have to get creative and resilient as injuries mount. They played Sunday's game without starting safeties Jimmie Ward (hip) and Jalen Pitre (lung) - both captains on the defensive side of the ball. Eric Murray, a backup safety, left Sunday's game with a concussion.
Thomas has been with the Texans since 2021 after three seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He's forced a fumble in each of the last four seasons, including two last season. Thomas also had two interceptions in 2021 and has been lauded by each of the last three coaching staffs.
When we spoke after Thomas was named to the 53-man roster, he said the main thing he's worked on is man-to-man technique. He said sometimes his eyes are stuck on the man he's covering and late to get back to the quarterback.
With the injury, Thomas' progression is on pause and the Texans will need others to step up.
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