The Houston Texans have been an unexpected success story in the NFL this season, and in early December, they hold a 7-5 record and a real shot at making the playoffs.
They have overachieved greatly, as they were expected to only make marginal improvements over last season when they went 3-13-1.
But the AFC is very competitive, and Houston will need to keep winning in order to reach the postseason for the first time since the 2019 campaign.
They will be short-handed when they face the New York Jets on the road this Sunday, as wide receiver Tank Dell is out for the year, and now, per Adam Schefter, they will also be without tight end Dalton Schultz.
Texans ruled out TE Dalton Schultz for Sunday’s game vs. the Jets.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 8, 2023
While Dell has been one of the reasons for the Texans’ success this year, Schultz has also contributed with 40 catches for 455 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games.
Without him or Dell, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has been one of the NFL’s biggest stories this season, will have to find new ways in order to deliver wins for the Texans.
Stroud is leading everyone with 3,540 passing yards, and he is also fifth in passer rating at 101.2.
His excellence has resulted in Houston ranking sixth in total yards and second in passing yards.
Overall, the team’s remaining schedule looks relatively manageable, although it will also be a bit challenging at times.
The Texans will visit the Tennessee Titans next weekend and on New Year’s Eve while hosting the Cleveland Browns on Christmas Eve and playing at the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18.
NEXT: C.J. Stroud Lands Near The Top Of Elite List