The Houston Texans have a new name to monitor ahead of Sunday’s road clash with the Cleveland Browns, and it is one they can least afford to lose. Star edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. popped up on the team’s injury report on Thursday with an ankle issue.
Anderson was listed as a limited participant in practice after not appearing on Wednesday’s report, according to the injury report shared by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. It is unclear when the ankle injury occurred.
Any absence would be a massive blow to Houston’s defense. Anderson has been arguably the best defensive player in football this season, leading the NFL with 9.5 sacks through nine weeks. He also ranks second in the league with 44 pressures and has racked up 30 run stops, making him one of the top candidates for Defensive Player of the Year at the midway point.
The Texans made a huge commitment to Anderson this past offseason, signing the former third overall pick to a three-year, $150 million extension that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Houston will be hoping to have its defensive leader available as it looks to build on a 44-22 blowout win over the Los Angeles Chargers last week. The Texans are 3-5 on the season, but they have won three of their last four games.
Anderson is not the only Texans pass rusher on the injury report. Danielle Hunter was also added on Thursday with a hamstring injury and was limited in practice.
Houston also has some concerns on offense. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was downgraded to a non-participant with a hamstring injury, while running back Woody Marks did not practice due to a knee issue.
The Browns, meanwhile, enter the matchup at 5-4 and will be looking to take advantage of a banged-up Houston roster. The Texans’ final injury report, along with official game designations, will be released on Friday.