Houston Texans Injury News: Updates On Whitney Mercilus, Seantrel Henderson, Kevin Johnson, And D’Onta Foreman

This week, football is actually happening. I know I’ve said this to start every article this week, but dammit, it still doesn’t feel real, and until it does, to ensure it actually is real, this is how things are going to be. On the injury front, I have some good news and some expected news for the Texans.

The first is Whitney Mercilus. The Texans’ starting outside linebacker has been out for the majority of the preseason because of a hamstring injury. He’s going to be back and starting right away this week against the Patriots. Expect him to be taking on the outside half of Rob Gronkowski in the run game, lining up against Gronk in coverage occasionally, and trying to get to Tom Brady as quickly as possible. Hopefully Romeo Crennel looks back at his past and gives him plenty of shots as an inside rusher as well.

The Texans’ running back situation is sadly set for another six weeks. D’Onta Foreman tore his Achilles on a diabolical run against Arizona last year. We haven’t seen him since. Now we will have to wait at least six more weeks until he attempts to return from the same injury, as the team placed Foreman on the PUP List to begin the 2018 regular season. Look for Lamar Miller, Tyler Ervin, Alfred Blue, and Buddy Howell instead.

Additionally, Seantrel Henderson has returned to practice after having a cyst removed. Kevin Johnson is also expected to play on Sunday after suffering a concussion against the 49ers earlier this preseason.

On New England’s end, information is less available. Rob Gronkowski will play. Rex Burkhead probably will too. Left tackle Trent Brown, the replacement for rookie first round pick Isaiah Wynn, should play, even if he missed practice yesterday with an excused absence. Rookie running back Sony Michel may miss Sunday’s game.

As usual with New England, things are shrouded in mystery.