Houston Texans host the Dallas Cowboys in a must-win matchup today at 1 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium. Houston are at 0-3 while Dallas at 1-2, and neither team started the season as expected. Nonetheless, both need a win to stop an early-season slide. For Houston, avoiding 0-4 is the immediate priority.
Houston gets Nico Collins back but loses Azeez Al-Shaair. Collins missed the previous two games with a hamstring injury. That is a major boost for C.J. Stroud and an offense that has struggled without its top receiver. On defense, however, Al-Shaair is out with a groin injury. He is no longer questionable after being ruled out before the game.
The Cowboys are also dealing with injuries, including the absence of cornerback Cobie Durant and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. With both teams needing a win, the inactive lists could have a major impact on the game.
Here are the full list for both teams.
Texans Week 4 Inactives
- LB Azeez Al-Shaair
- DE Chris Braswell
- G Febechi Nwaiwu
- OT Nate Thomas
- TE Marlin Klein
Cowboys Week 4 Inactives
- RBEmari Demercado
- OTAjani Cornelius
- WRCamden Brown
- LB DeMarvion Overshown
- EDGE James Houston
- CB Cobie Durant
- CB Caelen Carson
Texans Injuries and Problems to Address
Houston will need its other linebackers to take on more responsibility, particularly against Dak Prescott and Dallas’ short passing game. Al-Shaair’s absence also comes as other Houston defenders are dealing with injuries.
Houston needs to take advantage of Collins while also protecting Stroud against a Dallas defense that will be looking for pressure. The team still has questions around Jadeveon Clowney and Logan Hall, both dealing with knee injuries. If either is limited, the Texans will have to lean even harder on Will Anderson Jr. and the rest of the front to pressure Prescott.
Cowboys Look to Joey Porter Jr. to Revamp the Secondary
The Cowboys acquired Porter from Pittsburgh earlier this week, and he is active for his Dallas debut. Porter brings size, physicality and NFL experience to a secondary that has been one of Dallas’ biggest concerns. He is expected to have a limited workload, but his presence immediately gives the Cowboys another option outside.
Porter’s arrival comes at the right time because Cobie Durant and Caelen Carson are inactive. Durant has been dealing with a hamstring injury, while Carson is also unavailable. Dallas will need its remaining corners to hold up against Collins, C.J. Stroud, and Houston’s passing attack.
DeMarvion Overshown is also inactive with a hamstring injury. That leaves Dallas without another important defensive contributor. The Cowboys can offset some of the losses with players returning to the lineup, including safety Malik Hooker, who practiced fully and is expected to play.
