Texans hopeful of getting some injured players back for Browns game

Days after the Texans were shorthanded against the Indianapolis Colts, they’re relatively optimistic about getting some reinforcements back for a playoff game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.

“Nothing new right now,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday during a press conference at NRG Stadium. “We’ll see where our guys end up by the end of the week. Hopefully we get some guys back. Hopefully they continue to progress. We would love to have some of our guys back to help because we need all the guys we can get. We’d love to have them back.

The wide receiver position is the area of greatest concern as Robert Woods and Noah Brown missed the Colts game with back and hip injuries, respectively.

Woods was a true game-time decision, per sources, and he attempted to warm up and didn’t have sufficient mobility to play. He should have an improved chance of play Saturday night.

Brown is recovering from a painful transverse process fracture injury, but is making progress, per sources.

Veteran defensive end Jonathan Greenard suffered a Grade 1 sprained ankle against the Browns on Christmas Eve and has made steady improvements and is not ruled out for returning against Cleveland, per sources. He has a legitimate shot at playing, one source emphasized.

Rookie defensive end Will Anderson Jr. is already playing hurt the past two weeks with a high-ankle sprain and had two sacks in a dozen snaps two games ago against the Tennessee Titans. He did not aggravate his injury against Indianapolis, but his mobility is obviously hindered.

Defensive tackle Maliek Collins returned against the Colts from a core muscle injury and is expected to play against the Browns.

Fullback Andrew Beck returned from a calf injury to catch a touchdown pass against the Colts.

Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins was back from an ankle injury against the Colts.

And Pro Bowl left offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil continues to manage to play every week despite a painful knee injury that has been drained a few times already this season.

Against the Colts, defensive end Jerry Hughes injured his ankle. It is not regarded as serious. X-rays were negative, per a source.

Aaron Wilson is a contributor to Sports Talk 790.