Texans' Settle warns banged-up Mahomes: 'We're coming'

Texans defensive lineman Tim Settle is optimistic about his team's chances to stop Patrick Mahomes, who's been dealing with an ankle injury ahead of Houston's matchup versus the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.

"This is the top team in the league right now by the NFL, but that's nothing," Settle recently said, according to sidelinesarah on X. "I definitely seen (Mahomes') OL, it definitely has its leaps holes and definitely has their struggles, and I feel like we can take advantage of that.

"I know we've got an elite D-line. Pat is a little banged up, so I don't know if he's going to play or not, but I hope he's mobile enough because we're coming in Arrowhead (Stadium)."

Mahomes sprained his ankle with approximately 5:00 left in the fourth quarter of Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns with the Chiefs up by two scores. The Super Bowl MVP didn't return to the matchup and was replaced by Carson Wentz.

Mahomes, whose status has been up in the air, said Tuesday he wants "to be able to move" if he plays against Houston. He was a full participant at practice for a second straight day Wednesday.

"Pat better make a good decision," Settle added. "I ain't making no threats; I'm making promises."

The Chiefs' offensive line ranks in the top 10 for pass- and run-blocking, according to PFF.

Kansas City boasts arguably the league's best group of interior linemen with center Creed Humphrey and guards Joe Thuney and Trey Smith, but the tackle positions have been an issue for the reigning Super Bowl champions, who were forced to start Thuney at left tackle versus Cleveland. The Chiefs also roster left tackles D.J. Humphries, Wanya Morris, and rookie Kingsley Suamataia. Humphries joined the team recently but has been dealing with a hamstring injury and missed practice Wednesday.

At right tackle, Jawaan Taylor has lacked consistency since signing a four-year, $80-million contract with the club in March 2023.

The Texans rank second in the NFL with 45 total sacks in 2024. Settle has posted his best year as a pass-rusher, having racked up 10 tackles for loss, nine QB hits, and five sacks.