AFC South
Houston Texans
AI Summary
Houston enters 2026 as one of the AFC's preseason favorites, with PFT's power rankings slotting the Texans at No. 3 overall on the strength of an elite defense built around Will Anderson Jr. and a re-signed Danielle Hunter (1-year, $40.1M), plus offseason additions DT Sheldon Rankins (re-signed) and S Reed Blankenship. The bigger question is the offense: after going 12-5 in 2025 before a divisional-round loss to New England, Houston spent the offseason overhauling its line around first-round pick Keylan Rutledge, free-agent guard Wyatt Teller and tackle Braden Smith, while trading for RB David Montgomery from Detroit after releasing an injured Joe Mixon. Camp has already been hit by a season-ending ACL tear for WR Jayden Higgins, though Tank Dell's return to practice for the first time since his severe December 2024 knee injury is a cautious positive sign. With a 9.5-win preseason total and C.J. Stroud looking to bounce back, Houston's ceiling is Super Bowl contention if the rebuilt line and receiver room hold up.
Researched by Team Research Desk · last updated August 20, 2026
Key Storylines
- Offensive line rebuild: 1st-round C/G Keylan Rutledge, FA additions Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith, with Trent Brown also in the right tackle mix
- Traded for RB David Montgomery from Detroit (sent OL Juice Scruggs plus picks) after releasing injured RB Joe Mixon in March
- WR Jayden Higgins tore his ACL in a joint practice with the Raiders and is out for the season
- Tank Dell practicing again in camp for the first time since his severe Week 16 2024 knee injury
- Elite, defense-driven team (Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Sheldon Rankins, Reed Blankenship) ranked top of the AFC in preseason power rankings, but offense/C.J. Stroud bounce-back remains the swing factor
Injury Report
Jayden Higgins · WR
Out for season
Tore his ACL during a joint practice with the Raiders in training camp.
E.J. Speed · LB
Out for season
Torn quad suffered during offseason workouts.
Tank Dell · WR
Limited
Returned to practice in camp for the first time since suffering multiple torn ligaments and a dislocated kneecap in Week 16 of 2024.
Braden Smith · OT
Camp availability in doubt
Lingering effects from neck surgery have cast doubt on his availability entering camp.
Jaylin Noel · WR
Limited
Dealing with a broken finger and a lingering hamstring injury during camp.