Chargers vs. Texans inactives: Latest Wild Card playoffs injury report
The NFL playoffs are officially here, and NFL fans couldn't have asked for much more when it comes to the first game on the schedule. The Houston Texans will host the Los Angeles Chargers in a game that can easily go either way.
The Chargers, anchored by one of the league's best defenses and quarterbacks, bounced back in a big way from a down 2023 campaign under Jim Harbaugh to go 11-6, finishing in second place in the AFC West and in the top Wild Card spot in the AFC. The Chargers ended their season on a three-game winning streak, showcasing elite offense and defense in all three of those games.
The Texans might've underwhelmed relative to their lofty preseason expectations, but they still went 10-7 and won the AFC South. By winning their division, the Texans will be the home team in this game. They have to like their chances with the crowd on their side and C.J. Stroud under center, even if the Chargers look more impressive on paper.
This game, like many others, can ultimately be decided by the injury report. With that in mind, let's take a look at the inactives ahead of Saturday's matchup.
Chargers inactives for Wild Card matchup vs. Texans
Player | Position | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Eli Apple | CB | Hamstring | Active |
J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ankle | Active |
Simi Fehoko | WR | Elbow | Active |
Quentin Johnston | WR | Thigh/Illness | Active |
Joshua Palmer | WR | Foot | OUT |
Denzel Perryman | LB | Groin | Active |
Trey Pipkins | OT | Oblique | OUT |
Ja'Sir Taylor | CB | Oblique | OUT |
The good news for Chargers fans is that only one of the players on their lengthy injury report has been ruled out yet ahead of Saturday's tilt: Joshua Palmer is sidelined with a foot injury. This is a frustrating injury for the Chargers, as an already shallow Chargers receiver room lost a decent weapon. Palmer is the team's WR3 when healthy.
Beyond that, several players dealing with ailments will be able to suit up for this game. Trey Pipkins has been ruled out, but J.K. Dobbins, Quentin Johnston and Denzel Perryman are all active and will at least try to give it a go. In addition, Eli Apple was activated off IR for this game for Los Angeles. With Ja'Sir Taylor out, the Chargers won't lose much depth in their secondary.
Texans inactives for Wild Card matchup vs. Chargers
Player | Position | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Denico Autry | DE | Knee | Active |
Christian Harris | LB | Ankle | Active |
Shaq Mason | OG | Knee | OUT |
John Metchie III | WR | Shoulder | Active |
Teagan Quitoriano | TE | Calf | OUT |
Denico Autry | DE | Knee | Active |
Nick Broeker | G | Hand | OUT |
The Texans' injury report isn't quite as lengthy as Los Angeles', but they do have more players ruled out with both Shaq Mason and Teagan Quitoriano ruled out with injuries. Mason's absence will be felt, as an already subpar Houston offensive line will try and protect Stroud without the veteran guard who started all 15 games he appeared in thisseason.
Autry is overshadowed by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, but he proved in Tennessee that he can be a difference-maker, and Houston's pass rush will feel his absence on Saturday. Luckily, Harris will be suiting up in only his fourth game of this season; he recorded a sack and 20 tackles in his first three, and can have an impact if healthy.
Metchie is active as well, and could slot in as Houston's WR2 behind Nico Collins.
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