The Houston Texans have made a significant roster move in anticipation of Kai’mi Fairbairn’s return to the lineup this week against the Tennessee Titans. On December 13, the Texans released kicker Matt Ammendola, who had played in five games for the team, successfully making six of nine field goals and 10 of 11 extra points, including a long field goal from 45 yards out. Fairbairn, who had been sidelined since November with a quad injury and placed on injured reserve, is expected to make his comeback.
In other recent developments, tight end Dalton Schultz was listed among the inactives for the Texans’ Week 14 game against the New York Jets on December 10 due to a hamstring injury. Schultz had played in 11 games during the season, accumulating 455 receiving yards on 40 catches and scoring five touchdowns. Additionally, the New York Jets faced injury concerns as star running back Breece Hall and defensive lineman John Franklin Myers were in the rehab area during practice on December 7, potentially impacting their game against the Texans.
DP to the end zone pic.twitter.com/TOb4SpxEHe
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 3, 2023
Leading up to the Texans’ game against the Jets on December 6, it was confirmed that Zach Wilson would start as the quarterback for the Jets. Wilson had been benched for two consecutive weeks but was described by head coach Robert Saleh as “fired up” for his return to the starting position. Additionally, the Jets signed quarterback Brett Rypien from the Seahawks’ practice amid uncertainty at the position. The starting quarterback decision for the Sunday matchup was yet to be finalized, with Zach Wilson reportedly reluctant to start, a claim Saleh vehemently denied.
The Texans secured a significant victory on December 3, defeating the Denver Broncos 22-17 in NFL Week 13. Despite Denver’s five-game winning streak coming into the matchup, the Texans, under rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans, showcased a resilient performance with clutch plays on both offense and defense. The win propelled the Texans to a 7-5 record, emphasizing their turnaround this season.
On replay 🔁 pic.twitter.com/67ltbCo6rb
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 3, 2023
During the game against the Broncos, running back Dameon Pierce scored a rushing touchdown in the first quarter following an eventful drive that included a personal foul on the Broncos. However, the Texans faced some setbacks as wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a lower-body injury during the scoring play and had to be carted off the field.
In preparation for the Week 13 game against the Denver Broncos, the Texans elevated kicker Matt Ammendola from the practice squad on November 30. This move was part of a roster maneuver to make room for Derek Barnett, and Ammendola was expected to handle kicking duties until the return of regular kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn.
CJ Stroud to Tank Dell is becoming automatic. 🔒pic.twitter.com/oDA3bGYm6o
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 26, 2023
On November 29, it was reported that Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts would miss “several weeks” after undergoing hand surgery. Taylor had been a key player for the Colts, rushing for 414 yards on 100 attempts and scoring four touchdowns through seven games in the 2023 season.
Finally, on November 26, the Houston Texans demonstrated resilience in a crucial game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With first place in the AFC South at stake, the Texans capitalized on a missed Jaguars field goal, driving 55 yards down the field to score a touchdown and cut the deficit to three points. Quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with wide receiver Nico Collins for the defining touchdown in a pivotal moment for the team.
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