The Houston Texans will aim for their first win of 2025 when they welcome the rival Tennessee Titans to NRG Stadium this weekend. A matchup against the also-winless Titans is the perfect opportunity for the Texans to begin their bounce-back run, and Houston fans are wondering if cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. will be participating in the AFC South showdown.
Stingley had an early exit in last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaving with an oblique injury that's since held him out of Wednesday and Thursday's practice. Although the Texans are talented enough to beat the lowly Titans, it goes without saying that his presence would make his team's job easier. Fortunately, Houston isn't willing to rule him out just yet.
"(Stingley) practiced on a limited basis on Friday and is ruled questionable for Week 4," ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime wrote on X, leaving fans hopeful that their star cornerback won't miss an appearance.
Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. Returns to Practice on Friday
Although Texans fans would've loved to see a "full participant" note next to his name, Stingley's practice return is an encouraging sign. His light participation suggests that his oblique injury isn't as dire as some fans may have feared, leaving time to tell if he has what it takes to suit up on Sunday.
Stingley used the previous two seasons to establish himself as one of the NFL's top ballhawks, earning the $90 million extension he signed in March. Back-to-back campaigns with 85.3 and 84.4 Pro Football Focus coverage grades will do that for a player. Having said that, his new contract came with new expectations that he hasn't exactly met in September.
Stingley has played to a forgettable 61.4 coverage grade so far, which ranks only 66th-best among 158 graded corners. He's given up eight receptions on 16 targets for 92 receiving yards, allowing a much higher passer rating (67.7) than he did last season (39.6). He has already matched his 2024 penalty total (3) in 14 fewer games, which isn't a good look for someone being paid to lead by example.
The Titans are averaging the fewest passing yards per game and per reception this season, meaning the Texans shouldn't struggle to stop their rivals even if Stingley sits. If he does play, however, he must use a matchup against one of the league's worst passing attacks to re-establish himself as one of the NFL's best cornerbacks, not just in the AFC South.
After releasing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson earlier this week, the Texans need all of their defensive backs to be better. In the meantime, Houston fans will continue monitoring Stingley's status closely, hoping that he'll be healthy enough to help the Texans avoid an 0-4 start this weekend.