Texans Eye Playoff Push With Key Players Returning Ahead of Chiefs Clash

The Houston Texans are on the verge of salvaging their 2025 season, riding a four-game winning streak that has lifted them to 7–5. With playoff positioning within reach, Houston enters a pivotal AFC showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football, a game that could define the trajectory of their season.

A major boost for the Texans comes with the return of star edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. to practice on Thursday. Anderson, who missed Wednesday’s session due to chest and shoulder issues, signals a positive trend toward being available for Houston’s defensive front in this high-stakes contest.

Anderson is having a breakout season, already recording 25 tackles and 10.5 sacks in 2025. With five games remaining, he is poised to surpass his career-high of 11 sacks, providing a critical edge as Houston seeks to disrupt Kansas City’s prolific offense.

Beyond Anderson, several other Texans are returning from injuries, improving depth and readiness. The team is clearly trending toward full strength ahead of a matchup that carries immense implications for both sides of the ball.

1. Will Anderson Jr. Leading the Charge

Anderson has established himself as one of the NFL’s most dynamic edge rushers in just three seasons. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and influence game flow makes him a cornerstone of Houston’s defense, particularly in crucial matchups like Sunday against the Chiefs. Despite missing practice on Wednesday, his return Thursday suggests that the team is cautiously optimistic about his availability. Houston’s coaching and medical staff will continue monitoring Anderson to ensure he can perform without aggravating his chest or shoulder injuries. With 10.5 sacks already this season, Anderson is within striking distance of setting a personal best. His consistent production in pass-rushing situations not only energizes the defense but also gives Houston a chance to change the momentum of critical drives. The Texans’ ability to keep Anderson healthy and on the field could be a deciding factor in their ability to slow down Kansas City’s high-powered offense, which thrives on quick passes and exploiting mismatches.

2. Other Players Returning From Injury

Alongside Anderson, the Texans saw additional players return to practice Thursday. Woody Marks, Trent Brown, and Denico Autry rejoined the team after missing Wednesday’s session, while Kamari Lassiter and Tim Settle remained sidelined. Marks had been recovering from an ankle injury sustained against the Colts. The return of these players adds depth to both the offensive and defensive lines, which will be essential against a Chiefs team known for exploiting weaknesses up front. Having more experienced personnel available allows Houston to rotate effectively and maintain intensity throughout the game. While not all injured players are ready, the positive trend in practice participation provides the Texans with flexibility in game planning. The coaching staff can now tailor strategies to utilize the healthiest units available, increasing their chances of success against a challenging opponent.

3. High Stakes Against Kansas City

Houston enters the contest with momentum, but the stakes are higher than ever. The Chiefs, coming off a 6–6 record following a Thanksgiving loss, are also fighting to keep playoff hopes alive. Both teams know a win in this matchup could dramatically influence their path forward in the AFC. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has emphasized the importance of building on recent victories. Following the win over the Colts, he highlighted the need to continue grinding through each week, recognizing the difficulty of sustaining success in a competitive league. The Texans will need to combine a healthy, aggressive defense with an efficient offensive performance to keep pace with Kansas City. Execution in critical moments and limiting mistakes could determine the outcome in a primetime environment with heightened intensity. Kickoff is set for 8:20 PM ET on Sunday, promising a nationally televised showdown with playoff implications for both teams.