Texans Linebacker Denzel Perryman’s Suspension Reduced to Two Games
The Houston Texans received a reprieve regarding the suspension of linebacker Denzel Perryman. Initially handed a three-game suspension for repeated violations of player safety rules, Perryman will now be sidelined for only two games after successfully appealing the NFL’s ruling.
Perryman’s absence will impact the Texans’ defense, particularly in the upcoming matchups against the Arizona Cardinals and Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans, currently in second place in the AFC South with a 5-4 record, have surrendered a concerning 64 points in their last two games.
Perryman’s suspension stems from a flagrant hit on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase in the fourth quarter of the Texans’ Week 10 victory. The hit, which involved Perryman lowering his head and delivering a forceful blow to Chase’s head/neck area, marked Perryman’s seventh helmet foul in his NFL career.
While the Texans’ Week 11 encounter with the 2-8 Cardinals might appear to be a favorable matchup, Arizona received a significant boost last week with the return of franchise quarterback Kyler Murray, who had been sidelined since tearing his ACL last season.
The Cardinals’ record is 1-8 when starting either Joshua Dobbs or Clayton Tune at quarterback, but they are undefeated (1-0) with Murray under center.
Week 12’s game against the Jaguars holds even greater implications. The AFC South-leading Jaguars (6-3) are just one game ahead of the Texans, and the Texans (+25) boast a better point differential than Jacksonville (+6).
In Perryman’s absence, defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans will need to orchestrate a strategy to keep the Texans’ defense afloat and ensure that their offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, remains competitive for the next two weeks. Given Stroud’s impressive performance this season, the Texans have reason to remain optimistic.
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