The Houston Texans are heading into a critical matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14, and they will be without one of their many unsung heroes in veteran defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr.
Moreover, this is not a one-game absence.
It is an unfortunate turn for a player who has played well for the Texans amid their turnaround from an 0-3 start to the season.
Texans Lose Starting DT Tim Settle to Season-Ending Injury
GettyTim Settle Jr. #98 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“#Texans DT Tim Settle Jr. is slated to undergo foot surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the season, sources say,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on X on December 4. “Part of a veteran front that’s been playing very well of late and a free agent in the spring, Settle should be recovered well ahead of the 2026 season.”
The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander called it a “tough break” amid a “solid season.”
Settle, 28, had logged 15 total tackles, 3 pass deflections, and 1.0 sacks this season for the Texans, who boast the NFL’s No. 1 scoring and overall unit entering Week 14.
That was before he suffered his injury in Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts.
“It looked like #Texans DT Tim Settle Jr. may have gotten hurt with 4:40 left in Sunday’s game,” Alexander reported on X in a follow-up post. After engaging with blocker and falling to the ground, he got up with a slight limp and called out of the game before jogging to the sidelines.
Settle is in his second season with the Texans. He signed from the Buffalo Bills in free agency during the 2024 offseason.
He entered the league as a fifth-round pick, taken 163rd overall by the Bills in the 2018 draft.
Veteran Duo Expected to See More Playing Time
GettyDenico Autry #96 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren echoed Alexander, calling Settle’s injury “rough news” for a player who was “playing well.” Warren also suggested the ripple effect that Settle’s injury could have on the Texans.
Warren noted that the loss of Settle opens up more playing time for some of his Texans teammates.
“More reps likely coming for Mario Edwards and Denico Autry,” Warren posted on X.
Settle and fellow veteran Sheldon Rankins have started all 12 of the Texans’ games leading into Week 14. Edwards is the only other Texans interior defensive lineman to appear in every game the team has played so far.
He has 9 total stops and 1.5 sacks.
Autry has 4 combined tackles and 1.0 sacks. He has also played in fewer games than Tommy Togiai, who has played in 10 games and even started in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Texans Injury Report a Mixed Bag
GettyKamari Lassiter #4 of the Houston Texans looks on against the New York Jets.
Further exasperating matters for head coach DeMeco Ryans and the Texans, Settle was not the only injury question they faced entering their second day of practice in Week 14.
They drew attention for their attendance at the practice field once again. The Texans got Will Anderson Jr. and Woody Marks back. That was undoubtedly a welcome sign for the 7-5 squad ahead of a pivotal matchup.
However, cornerback Kamari Lassiter was not present for the second straight day.
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