Texans rule out Will Anderson for SNF vs. Lions

The Houston Texans ruled out defensive end Will Anderson Jr. ahead of their Sunday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions.

Anderson hasn't participated in practice this week after sustaining an ankle injury in Houston's Week 9 loss to the New York Jets.

Anderson leads the Texans with 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss this season. His absence will be felt against a Detroit Lions offense that leads the NFL with 32.3 points per game.

The Alabama product flourished during his rookie campaign, recording 10 TFLs and seven sacks en route to the the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Derek Barnett, Dylan Horton, and Denico Autry could see more snaps with Anderson out of the lineup.

Although Anderson is out, wide receiver Nico Collins could return Sunday after the Texans opened the 21-day practice window for him to return from injured reserve. Collins is listed as questionable after being a limited participant in Friday's practice. He's missed Houston's last four games with a hamstring ailment.