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Houston Texans enter their crucial Week 17 showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers with a crowded injury report as they prepare for Saturday’s December 27 clash at SoFi Stadium.
With playoff positioning at stake, Houston must navigate several confirmed absences while monitoring the availability of key contributors on both sides of the ball.
Texans listed 15 players on the final injury report, though practice participation trends suggest a majority of starters are trending toward availability.
Still, multiple players have already been ruled out, which could test Houston’s depth against an 11-win Chargers squad.
Houston Texans players ruled out vs Chargers
Houston will be without four players for the matchup, impacting both the offensive line and defensive front.
Defensive end Darrell Taylor has been ruled out with an ankle injury despite full participation in practice. Taylor has appeared in three games this season.
Cornerback Ajani Carter will also miss the game due to a hamstring injury, while linebacker Jamal Hill is sidelined with a calf issue after failing to practice. Hill has played in six games during the 2025 campaign.
Offensive tackle Trent Brown rounds out the inactive list. Brown did not practice due to an ankle injury and has appeared in four games this season, leaving Houston Texans thin along the offensive line.
Questionable players to watch
Two Texans carry questionable designations heading into the weekend.
Wide receiver Justin Watson is managing a calf injury but was a full participant in practice, keeping his availability in play.
Offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery is listed as questionable with a thumb injury after logging limited practice participation. Ersery has played in six games this season and could be a key depth option if cleared.
Key contributors trending toward playing
Several impact players remain on the injury report but practiced fully, signaling optimism for their availability.
Cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter both practiced without limitations. Stingley has recorded four interceptions and 13 passes defended, while Lassiter leads the team with 85 tackles.
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, defensive linemen Sheldon Rankins and Dylan Horton, and tight end Dalton Schultz were also full participants. Schultz has been a steady offensive presence with 75 receptions and three touchdowns.
Defensive end Denico Autry remains a name to monitor after limited participation due to a knee injury.
With kickoff approaching, Houston Texans appears cautiously optimistic, though the confirmed absences could influence lineup decisions against a formidable Chargers team.
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