Texans' Zach Cunningham, Ross Blacklock placed on reserve-COVID-19 list

Texans starting linebacker Zach Cunningham, the NFL's leading tackler last season, was placed on the reserve-COVID-19 list along with top backup defensive tackle Ross Blacklock.

Blacklock tested positive for COVID, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly. Cunningham has been deemed a high-risk close contract, per a league source.

Both are out for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.

Cunningham, signed to a four-year, $58 million contract, missed the first quarter of a road loss to the Cleveland Browns for disciplinary reasons after issues with lateness and missing a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for personal reasons.

Cunningham led the Texans with 14 tackles last Thursday in a loss to the Cleveland Browns.

He's expected to be replaced by Kamu Gruger-Hill against the Bills. Gruger-Hill has returned from a knee injury.

A second-round draft pick from Texas Christian University last year, Blacklock had a sack and forced fumble against the Carolina Panthers.

Jaleel Johnson and DeMarcus Walker are expected to fill in for Blacklock as reserves behind starting defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Roy Lopez.

The Texans could elevate linebacker Hardy Nickerson or defensive end Derek Rivers from the practice squad and are expected to elevate backup quarterback Jeff Driskel. Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn is expected to be placed on the active roster after being designated for return from injured reserve with safety A.J. Moore also eligible to be activated from designated for return.

Texans safety Justin Reid (knee) returns after missing the Carolina game.

The Texans ruled out running back Scottie Phillips with a non-COVID related illness along with wide receiver Danny Amendola (strained hamstring) and quarterback Deshaun Watson (non-injury reasons-personal matter).

Aaron Wilson has covered the NFL for 20 years and has previously written for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. He’s on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL and Instagram: @aaronwilson7128

Carolina Panthers v Houston Texans

Photo: Getty Images


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