The Texans could use all the help they can get to climb out of an 0-3 start. But complicating matters is the status of cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who injured his oblique early in Sundayâs loss to the Jaguars.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday itâs still too early to determine whether Stingley will be recovered in time to play in Week 4 against the Titans.
âHe tried to push through it, he couldnât push through it,â Ryans said. âWeâre still evaluating him. Heâll probably be day-to-day.â
Stingley Was Injured Early in Week 3 Loss
Stingley, 24, was initially listed as questionable to return with a rib injury early in the second quarter before being downgraded to out in the third quarter.
The Texans wound up losing 17-10 to fall to 0-3, leaving them one of six teams still without a win this season.
The 2022 first-rounder is the Texansâ No. 1 cornerback, and his potential absence looms large for an already banged-up secondary.
Third-round rookie cornerback Jaylin Smith landed on injured reserve Saturday with a hamstring injury. Smith, who had four tackles across the first two games, will be forced to miss at least three more games.
Stingley had one pass defended before leaving. He was also called for pass interference, setting up the Jaguars near the end zone late in the first quarter. The next play, Bhayshul Tuten scored on a 1-yard run for a 7-0 lead.
Stingley was seen entering the injury tent after that drive. He briefly returned to the field for the following defensive possession before retreating to the locker room.
Stingley Recently Signed a Record Extension
Since being selected third overall by the Texans in 2022, Stingley has been one of the NFLâs top cornerbacks. He recorded one interception in nine games as a rookie, then had five interceptions in each of the last two seasons. In 2024, he also had 54 tackles and 18 passes defended and was named a Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro.
This offseason, Stingley was rewarded with a record three-year, $90 million contract extension that included $89 million guaranteed. Stingleyâs $30 million annual salary set a new high-water mark for defensive backs, surpassing the Panthersâ Jaycee Horn ($25 million/year).
Pro Football Focus ranked Stingley as the leagueâs fifth-best cornerback prior to the season.
âAfter a poor rookie season, Stingley has generated a 90.3 PFF coverage grade over the past two seasons â the best mark among all cornerbacks,â PFFâs John Kosko wrote. âThe 2022 No. 3 overall pick plays a high-risk, high-reward brand of football and threads that needle well, as his 12 interceptions across the past two years lead the league.â
Texans’ Secondary Could Have Big Shoes to Fill
Despite moderately sized expectations following back-to-back AFC South titles, the Texans have sputtered out of the gate. The offense has surprisingly been the biggest culprit, scoring a league-low 38 points through three games.
If Stingley canât go Sunday, Kamari Lassiter and Tremon Smith will likely be the top two cornerbacks, with Jalen Pitre in the slot. The Texans could also look to bring in someone from the practice squad or off the wire.
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