(SportsRadio 610) - On the heels of returning their starting quarterback C.J. Stroud this week, after missing the previous two games with a concussion, the Texans got a big boost on the defensive side of the ball with Will Anderson Jr. practicing for the first time in three weeks.
Missing the previous two games with a severe ankle injury he sustained in the Texans' 30-6 loss to the Jets, Anderson looked spry during the portion of Friday's practice open to the media.
The former Alabama standout is having a productive rookie season, amassing 42 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks and 19 quarterback hits. If he can contribute Sunday, even in a limited capacity, it would be a big boost for a defense that should also be returning middle linebacker Blake Cashman, who returned to workouts this week after missing two games with a hamstring injury.
The Texans will be without breakout defensive end Jonathan Greenard, who leads the team with 12.5 sacks this season. Greenard injured an ankle during the Texans' 36-22 loss to the Browns last weekend. He didn't practice all week, nor was he even seen on the practice field as an observer.
He had one of his best games of the season during the Texans week 15 overtime victory over the Titans when he tallied six tackles, two and a half sacks and three quarterback hits.
Meanwhile, concern had grown this week with both Maliek Collins (hip) and Sheldon Rankins (ankle) missing both Wednesday and Thursday workouts.
On Friday, Rankins was dressed in full gear while Collins was just a bystander, they're both listed as questionable this weekend. With the two interior defensive linemen working so well together, it would be an added challenge for the Texans Sunday, going up against Titans running back Derrick Henry, who is just 25 yards shy of amassing 1,000 yards for the fifth time in his career.
Texans veteran cornerback Steven Nelson, who has been the most consistent defensive back all season for the team is battling a handful of injuries including a foot, ankle and hamstring. Nelson, who is listed as questionable this weekend, hasn't practiced all week and was not dressed in full on Friday, has 11 pass deflections and four interceptions this season.
It remains to be seen what role newly signed defensive back Kareem Jackson will play on Sunday. The veteran back turned safety in recent years played cornerback for much of his first eight seasons in the league.
Texans fullback Andrew Beck is also listed as questionable heading into the game against the Titans with a calf injury.
