Colts finally home, turn to OL to fend off oncoming Texans
Thu Nov 27 8:50am ET
Field Level Media
Hold the coronation of the Indianapolis Colts. The two-time defending AFC South champions might have something to say in the matter.
Houston hits Indiana's capital city with a three-game winning streak and a healthy quarterback, momentum the Texans plot to put to good use in closing the gap in the division. The Colts (8-3) are back in their comfort zone in Indianapolis on Sunday with two losses -- at Pittsburgh and at Kansas City -- that dented their lofty conference standing following a 7-1 start.
The Texans (6-5) have taken three consecutive meetings from the Colts by a combined nine points. Houston began the season 0-3, but has its season back on track thanks to a toothy defense.
Now C.J. Stroud will join the party. The star quarterback and his teammate, nickelback Jalen Pitre, cleared concussion protocol on Friday and are set to play in this pivotal game.
Stroud was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. Barring a setback before Sunday, he'll be on the field for a fifth time opposite Indianapolis. Stroud is 3-1 in four games against the Colts.
"Picking up where we left off," Texans wide receiver Nico Collins said Wednesday after Stroud returned to the lead of the QB rotation at practice. "Going out there and being himself. He looked good out there. Excited to get back."
With Stroud out, the Texans took down Buffalo (23-19), Tennessee (16-13) and Jacksonville (36-29) the past three weeks with backup Davis Mills at quarterback. Even with the November to remember in progress for Houston, the Jaguars (7-4) separate the Colts and Texans in the South standings. Indianapolis, which last won the division in 2014 behind third-year quarterback Andrew Luck, is in Jacksonville next week.
The Sunday game will be the first of two meetings between the Texans and Colts, who also square off in the regular-season finale Jan. 4 in Houston.
The Texans lead the NFL in total defense (264.3 yards per game) and rank second in scoring defense (16.5 points per game). But Buffalo averaged 4.9 yards per carry and rushed for 143 yards last week, when Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 70.5% of his passes but was sacked eight times.
Ryans said the Bills went away from the script most teams follow to block the Texans' attacking front seven with a seven-man blocking scheme -- incorporating multiple tight ends or a fullback -- and rolled the dice with one-on-one matchups across the field.
This is the first look for Ryans and the Texans at the Daniel Jones-led Indianapolis offense, one with a functional run-pass option foundation designed to isolate second-level defenders and freeze linemen committed to contain. The former Giants first-round pick supplanted the purported QB of the future -- Anthony Richardson, drafted two picks after Stroud in 2023 -- and has accounted for 22 of the Colts' 40 touchdowns this season. He also has 10 turnovers in 11 games.
Even at home, it's a high-stakes, high-pressure environment for Jones against the Houston edge rushing duo of defensive ends Danielle Hunter (11 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (10.5), the player drafted between Stroud and Richardson. Hunter and Anderson are the first pair of teammates with 10-plus sacks in the first 11 games of a season since 2019.
Jones (fibula) was limited Wednesday and practiced fully Thursday and Friday. NFL Network reported that Jones has a broken fibula, but head coach Shane Steichen said he's "good to go." He'll need protection from his offensive line.
"We have a lot of confidence and trust in our guys up front, our tackles," Jones said. "Regardless of who you've got, you try to chip them, you try to help when you can. It's my job to get the ball out on time."
None of the Texans are asking for an introduction to MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor, Jones' partner in the Colts' backfield. He leads the NFL with 17 touchdowns (15 rushing scores) and has produced big numbers in eight career matchups with Houston: 1,067 total yards (133.4 per game) and 10 TDs (nine rushing). He registered the NFL's fastest speed on a scoring play this season -- touching 22.38 mph on a 43-yard reception in Week 2 -- per Next Gen Stats.
"They have smart players. But they have athletic players," Taylor said. "If we let that front run wild, it's going to be a long Sunday."
Taylor is running for history on Sunday.
With two TDs he can become the fifth running back in NFL history to reach 75 touchdowns from scrimmage -- non-passing TDs -- in fewer than 80 games. The others to accomplish the feat: Jim Brown and LaDainian Tomlinson (both 72 games), Emmitt Smith (77) and Todd Gurley (78).
The Texans ruled out linebacker Jamal Hill and cornerback Ajani Carter, both with hamstring injuries. The Colts had just one player ruled out, linebacker Jaylon Charles (ankle).
Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward, who just returned last week after missing five games while in concussion protocol, reappeared on Friday's injury report (groin) as a limited participant.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) was limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Although Jones injured his shoulder in Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks and never returned, his injury isn't considered serious, and he's day-to-day going into a Week 14 tilt this weekend versus the visiting Washington Commanders. Still, the 31-year-old veteran's status should be closely monitored over the next couple of days, as Jordan Mason could take on a bigger role this weekend against Washington if Jones ends up being limited at all in Sunday's game. The lack of overall efficiency from Minnesota's offense is draining the fantasy value of all of their skill players, including Jones'. The good news is that quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is on track to return in Week 14. If Jones plays this weekend, he'll be more of an RB3/flex option with a limited ceiling.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, putting him on track to return on Sunday against the Washington Commanders in Week 14, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. McCarthy still needs final clearance from an independent neurologist to be cleared from the league's concussion protocol, but he's trending in the right direction after suffering a concussion in Week 12 and missing the Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. In his absence on Sunday, undrafted rookie QB Max Brosmer was a disaster, throwing four interceptions, including an ugly pick-six. The 22-year-old McCarthy has mostly struggled in 2025 after missing his entire rookie season, completing just 54.1% of his passes for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and 10 picks in six starts. If he returns on Sunday, McCarthy will be a volatile low-end QB2 option in superflex formats.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun. Rodgers, who is playing through three fractures in his left (non-throwing) wrist, will probably be limited early in the week for the rest of the season. The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer is expected to be active again this weekend for a crucial divisional contest against the Baltimore Ravens, but he might not do much in practice this week. The good news for Rodgers is that he didn't do any damage to his left wrist by playing in the Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills, and he appears to be in better shape going into Week 14 despite being battered and bloodied last Sunday. Rodgers hasn't thrown for over 200 yards in a game since Nov. 2 and has limited weapons in the passing game outside of receiver DK Metcalf. He will be a low-upside fantasy QB on the QB2/3 borderline versus Baltimore.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) continues to work through a sprained AC joint in his left (non-throwing) shoulder and was limited in Wednesday's practice, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Mayfield injured his shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but he played in Sunday's victory over the Arizona Cardinals, going 18-for-28 for 194 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions while carrying the ball six times for an additional 27 yards. The 30-year-old is as tough as they come and is fully expected to play again in Week 14 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Mayfield hasn't thrown more than one touchdown in any of his last three games, but he'll be on the low-end QB1 radar this weekend in a rematch against the Saints, potentially with star wideout Mike Evans (collarbone) back in the fold. Mayfield went 15-for-24 for 152 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a 23-3 win over the Saints back on Oct. 26.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) remains on the team's injury report and was listed as limited in practice on Wednesday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Godwin may stay on the injury report the rest of the year for maintenance purposes as he comes back from a fractured fibula that he suffered back in Week 5. The 29-year-old pass-catcher returned in Week 12 and has five catches on nine targets for 87 yards in his two games back. He was on the field more in last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals and had three catches on five targets for a season-high 78 yards. Although Mike Evans' (collarbone) impending return from Injured Reserve will take a little steam out of Godwin's rest-of-season outlook, he should still be a pretty key weapon for quarterback Baker Mayfield in the passing game. Consider him a viable WR3/flex option in fantasy for a Week 14 battle against the division-rival New Orleans Saints.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) was limited in practice on Wednesday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. This was McMillan's first practice since suffering a severe neck strain and multiple broken bones in his neck back in the preseason in August. The 23-year-old is trending toward a return this year, but it probably won't be for another couple of weeks. And when McMillan does return, he'll be joining a crowded receiving room in Tampa alongside wideouts Mike Evans (collarbone), Chris Godwin, rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka, and rookie Tez Johnson. It's highly unlikely that McMillan is going to have a big enough role when he returns to put him on the fantasy map in 12-team leagues.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) was listed as limited in the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Evans has made good progress since breaking his collarbone in Week 7, but the Bucs will re-evaluate him later this week before determining if they'll activate him from Injured Reserve so that he can play on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer should not be floating around on the waiver wire in fantasy leagues, even if Tampa decides to wait another week to activate him. The six-time Pro Bowler will break a ridiculous streak of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons due to injuries this year, but he still has the potential to be a difference-maker for fantasy managers in the playoffs. Evans' impending return is more bad news for slumping rookie first-round wideout Emeka Egbuka.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews agreed to terms on a three-year, $39.3 million contract extension with the team on Wednesday that includes $26 million guaranteed, sources tell Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Andrews is the franchise's all-time leading receiver, who was in the final year of his deal. The 2026 campaign will be his ninth with the team after the Ravens drafted him in the third round in 2018. Andrews is going strong and currently has 473 career catches for 5,826 yards and 56 touchdowns. The 30-year-old veteran isn't nearly as consistent as he's been in the past for fantasy managers, but he's managed 37 catches on 52 targets for 332 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games in 2025, good enough to make him the TE13 in half-PPR scoring. Isaiah Likely's presence in Baltimore makes Andrews more volatile in fantasy, but he'll be a low-end TE1 this weekend against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) is still on the team's injury report and was listed as limited in practice on Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Irving returned in last Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals for the first time since Week 4 due to a dislocated shoulder and a foot sprain. Tampa was expected to ease the 23-year-old RB back in, but he ended up handling a healthy 17 carries for 61 yards (3.6 yards per tote) and two rushing touchdowns on 52% of the offensive snaps. Irving added two catches on two targets for 20 yards. Surprisingly, Sean Tucker played just 15% of the snaps. Irving should be fine to play in Week 14 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints, and he should see an even bigger share of the backfield work. As long as Irving doesn't have a setback with his shoulder, he should be considered an RB1 in fantasy in his second game back.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (back) was listed as a non-participant during Wednesday's practice due to a back injury, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Olave dealt with some back spasms late last week and was considered questionable to play in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, but he ended up playing and catching four of seven targets for 47 yards and his fifth touchdown of the year. The 25-year-old's back flared up after Sunday's game in Miami, though, which could make him questionable for the second straight week. As long as Olave is able to return to practice later this week, though, he should be able to play this weekend versus the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Olave is a must-start fantasy wideout when he's active. In the previous meeting with Tampa on Oct. 26, Olave caught eight of his 12 targets for 63 yards.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) is missing another practice on Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Kamara sprained his MCL in the Week 12 loss to the Atlanta Falcons and did not play in the Week 13 loss to the Miami Dolphins after missing practice all of last week. With the Saints well out of playoff contention, it seems likely that the 30-year-old will miss another game this weekend when the team takes on the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Kamara out last Sunday, rookie Devin Neal made his first career start and played a season-high 82% of the offensive snaps, taking 17 touches for 69 yards from scrimmage. In a plus matchup, Neal will be on the RB2/3 borderline for fantasy managers as New Orleans' lead back if Kamara is forced to sit out another game.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai (ankle) was a non-participant on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. It's the first time that Monangai has been on the injury report with an ankle injury since back in Week 10. The Bears could be giving the 23-year-old some extra rest this week, but it's a situation to monitor closely for fantasy managers ahead of the team's big Week 14 divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Monangai has seen double-digit carries in five of the last seven weeks for the Bears as he becomes a much bigger part of their offense. In last week's win over the Eagles, the seventh-rounder had 22 carries for 130 yards and a touchdown to bump his TD streak up to four straight games. If his ankle injury is serious enough to make him limited or keep him out entirely this weekend, D'Andre Swift would have clear RB1 upside as Chicago's workhorse RB.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. Daniels is back at practice after dislocating his left (non-throwing) elbow back in Week 9, but he has yet to be cleared for contact and is up in the air to return on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. The Commanders plan on waiting until Friday to re-evaluate the 24-year-old second-year signal-caller. There's a chance that Daniels will be able to return in Minnesota, but the Commanders will probably play it extra safe with their franchise QB, and he'll likely need to upgrade to a full practice before the week is over to have a realistic shot of playing. Washington won't be afraid to give Marcus Mariota his seventh start of the year if they are on the fence about Daniels' status.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice session, according to the team's official website. Odunze last appeared on the injury report in Week 11 with an ankle injury, and it's been common for the second-year wideout to miss practice on Wednesdays this season as the team manages his workload. The 23-year-old hasn't missed a game this season, though, and he will likely be good to go for Sunday against the Packers, barring something unforeseen. Odunze's production has fallen off in recent weeks, as he's recorded three receptions or fewer in six of his last eight games with only one touchdown during that time. He projects as more of a WR3 for Week 14 against a tough Green Bay Packers defense, assuming he can suit up.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (fibula) was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's practice session, according to the team's official website. Jones' full participation on Wednesday is an estimation, as the Colts conducted a walk-through. It was reported last week that the 28-year-old signal-caller is playing through a fractured fibula, and his production has cooled off a bit in recent weeks after an excellent start to the season. Jones has completed 67.9% of his passes for 3,041 yards with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions while adding 44 carries for 160 yards and five rushing touchdowns in 12 starts this season. The veteran quarterback will continue playing through the injury and will look to return to his early-season form for a big divisional game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (hip, knee) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session, according to the team's official website. Downs last appeared on the injury report in Week 9 with a hip injury, but it appears he picked up a knee injury during the Colts' Week 13 loss to the Houston Texans. The 24-year-old's production has faded lately as he's taken a back seat to the Colts' other talented pass-catchers. He's recorded just five receptions for 57 yards on 14 targets in the past three games after seeing a season high of nine targets in Week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Downs' participation in practice will be monitored in the next two days, but even if he suits up for Week 14's game against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, he projects more as a deep-league flex option in PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets S Tony Adams (groin), CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (hip), DE Jermaine Johnson (ankle), DT Harrison Phillips (non-injury), LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball (hamstring) and CB Qwan'tez Stiggers (concussion) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 3. DE Will McDonald (ankle) was limited during practice, while LB Cam Jones (hip) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Chicago Bears LB Ruben Hyppolite II (shoulder), RB Kyle Monangai (ankle), WR Rome Odunze (foot) and CB Tyrique Stevenson (hip) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 3. LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring, hand) was limited during practice. DT Andrew Billings (concussion), CB Jaylon Johnson (groin), DE Dominique Robinson (concussion) and LB Noah Sewell (elbow) fully participated in practice. The Bears did not hold a practice Wednesday, so the report is an estimation.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (neck) has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. Wright was a non-participant every day in practice this week and isn't expected to return anytime soon after head coach Dan Campbell revealed his injury involves his trachea, and that it could be a long-term issue. The 27-year-old was expected to serve as the Lions' top tight end after Sam LaPorta (back) was placed on Injured Reserve, but Wright may miss the remainder of the season. Ross Dwelley stepped up and played the majority of snaps in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers with Anthony Firkser mixing in, and both figure to split the reps on Thursday night against the Cowboys. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help at the TE position.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (ankle) has officially been ruled out for Thursday night's matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys. The 31-year-old hasn't practiced since suffering an ankle injury during Detroit's overtime win over the New York Giants in Week 12 and will miss his third consecutive game. The Lions have multiple injuries at wide receiver and tight end, with star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) questionable for Thursday, as well as tight ends Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck) facing extended absences. Rookie third-rounder Isaac TeSlaa is expected to see an increase in opportunities with Detroit's injuries piling up, and he's flashed upside in limited action, with three of his six receptions this season going for touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
