Texans secondary decimated; also lose key wide receiver
Injuries pile up during loss to Eagles
The Texans lost more than just the game against the Eagles in Philidelphia on Sunday. Injuries mounted before and during the game helping the Eagles best the Texans in the closing moments with a field goal.
No injury will sting as much as the loss of Demaryius Thomas. He went down without contact on a screen play in the fourth quarter. He was then carted off the field, unable to put weight on his injured leg. He was officially ruled out with an Achilles injury. It is the second Achilles injury in Thomas' career. He was traded for earlier in the season to replace Will Fuller who was lost for the season due to injury.
Rookie wideout Vyncint Smith caught a touchdown in Thomas' absence hauling in a 35-yard perfectly placed pass from Deshaun Watson. Smith is the only outside receiver besides DeAndre Hopkins as the team released Sammie Coates earlier in the week.
The secondary didn't fare well either. Johnathan Joseph left the game in the second half with a neck injury and was questionable to return (though he later did). Earlier in the game Kareem Jackson left with a knee injury and didn't return to the game. Kayvon Webster, who was recently activated for this game off the Reserve/Injured list, didn't finish the game. He hurt his thigh. Earlier in the season Webster made his debut and lasted just two plays before heading to the previously mentioned list.
Starting left guard Senio Kelemete missed the game due to illness. Martinas Rankin started in his place allowing a few pressures and committing a couple of false start penalties.
Lamar Miller, the team's leading rusher, and rookie pass catcher Keke Coutee didn't make the trip to Philadelphia. Miller has an ankle injury while Coutee has been missing time with a hamstring injury.
The injuries in the secondary are very concerning as they all seem to be things that could linger beyond the week. It is safe to assume Thomas will be done for the year meaning Smith will have to step up or the team will need to find help in free agency.