It’s not like the Houston Texans or Tennessee Titans need any more issues, since they’re off to 0-3 starts heading into their AFC South showdown Sunday in Houston.
But it appears that both teams may have to rely on their depth more than they would probably like in an effort to get their first win of the year.
Houston’s biggest concern might be the status of cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and right tackle Tytus Howard. Stingley (oblique) and Howard (illness) each missed practice on Wednesday, although the chances of Howard suiting up Sunday appear better than Stingley’s.
During a 17-10 loss last week in Jacksonville, Stingley departed at the end of the first quarter after appearing to suffer his injury guarding Brian Thomas Jr. on a deep ball. If Stingley can’t go, the Texans will need their pass rush to capitalize on what looks like a favorable matchup with the Tennessee offensive line or rookie quarterback Cam Ward might enjoy his best day as a pro.
“We’re excited for this next opportunity,” said Houston coach DeMeco Ryans. “We’re ready to go grab a win.”
For that to happen, the Texans’ offense has to start performing to its potential. They are last in the NFL in scoring with only 38 points through three games and have converted a league-low 24.2 percent of their third downs.
Third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud has again struggled to time up his receivers as the offensive line hasn’t been able to consistently provide him with a clean pocket. Houston is bottom 10 in total yards, passing yards and rushing yards, as well as time of possession.
That’s wasted some solid work by a defense that’s tied for fifth in the NFL in fewest points allowed. On paper, they have to be licking their chops at the prospect of facing the Titans’ shorthanded, poorly-performing offensive line.
Ward has shown flashes of the ability that led the Titans to take him No. 1 overall in April’s draft but has been hit way too often. He’s been sacked 15 times and Tennessee could be operating without starting right tackle JC Latham (hip) and guard Kevin Zeitler (bicep).
All those hits have already landed Ward on the team’s injury report with ankle and calf issues, although he’s expected to get the start on Sunday. For the first time, he’ll be working with new play-caller Bo Hardegree, the quarterbacks coach who was given those duties Tuesday by second-year head coach Brian Callahan.
“He just knows where my mind is and how I feel space on the field,” Ward said of Hardegree. “He understands the offense as a whole. He has experience with the Raiders.”
Hardegree was the Raiders’ interim offensive coordinator for the final nine games of 2023, when they went 5-4 under interim coach Antonio Pierce. Rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell compiled 1,905 passing yards and 11 touchdowns in that stretch.
Callahan is hoping Hardegree provides a spark the offense needs. The Titans are last in the league in passing yards, 31st in yards per game and 28th in rushing yardage. Their 30.2 conversion percentage on third down ranks 29th.
Tennessee owns a 24-22 edge in the teams’ all-time series. The teams split two games last year, each winning on the road.
