BREAKING NEWS FROM PATRICK CREIGHTON
Sources: Astros CF George Springer’s injury worse than reported; thumb is “unstable"
Aug 24, 2018, 3:45 am
The Astros may be without George Springer for a while. Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images
Astros CF George Springer’s thumb injury is much more serious than the team has let on.
Sources on Thursday informed me that Springer has ligament damage in his thumb, and that his thumb is “unstable.” They also indicated that this injury would normally have a much longer recovery timetable - 6-8 weeks on the shorter end. It has only been three weeks since Springer suffered the initial injury.
Springer appeared to be in a significant amount of pain when he injured his thumb on a head first slide on August 5th. He then missed the next eight games on the DL.
Springer returned to the lineup without going on a rehab stint, which was unusual. Jose Altuve played one game at Triple-A Fresno to get his timing back before rejoining the lineup.
Springer came off the DL and returned to the lineup on Aug. 17, playing in three games. He went a combined 3-of-13 with one run and one RBI. He did not start on Aug. 20th vs Seattle, although manager AJ Hinch said he was available to pinch hit. Springer has not played the last three games.
Patrick Creighton hosts “Late Hits” on ESPN 97.5 Houston weeknights 7-9p, and “Straight Heat” on SB Nation Radio weekdays 4-7p CT. Follow him on Twitter: @PCreighton1
Sunday night matchups don't get much exciting than this, as the Houston Texans host the Detroit Lions in prime-time at NRG.
The Lions come into this game on a six-game winning streak looking every bit of the best team in football. Houston on the other hand has lost two of their last three games with a struggling offense unable to protect their quarterback.
CJ Stroud has only one passing touchdown over this span, and is clearly having trouble adjusting to life without Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins.
If Houston is going to come away with an upset victory, they will need big performances from Tank Dell and Joe Mixon. After catching 4 passes against the Colts two weeks ago, Mixon not only failed to catch a single pass against the Jets, but he wasn't even targeted.
Considering the Texans' offensive line issues, choosing not to use Mixon as a pass catcher is hard to fathom. Especially since he and Dell are the team's top 2 playmakers.
What's working in the Texans' favor?
They play this game at home, where they are undefeated this season. A lot of the team's protection issues have popped up on the road, so communication should be easier for the offense on their home turf.
Bulls on Parade
We have good news and bad news about the defense this week. On the positive side, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jimmy Ward have returned to practice. If they're able to contribute on Sunday night, that would give the defense a lift.
And now for the bad news. Will Anderson has yet to practice this week after rolling his ankle in the Jets game. If he is unable to practice on Friday, it's hard to imagine he'll be active against Detroit.
X-factors
The Texans have to show some improvement on the offensive line this week.
Houston must lean on Joe Mixon again, as Nico Collins isn't expected to play.
Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the best receivers in the league, and he does most of his damage from the slot. If the Texans continue to deploy Jalen Pitre against premier receivers in man coverage, St. Brown is going to light up the scoreboard.
What would a win over the Lions mean to Houston?
The Texans are no longer considered a true championship contender because of their losses to the Packers, Vikings, and Jets. In fact, the Bills are the only team with a winning record that the Texans have beaten.
An upset win over the streaking Lions would change that narrative.
What does Vegas think?
The Lions are currently favored by 3.5 and the total is set at 49 points.
Don't miss the full preview of Texans-Lions in the video above!
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