You’d think the least of the Houston Texans’ concerns in 2024 is the passing game. Yet last week, the inability to pass or protect quarterback CJ Stroud was the main reason Houston lost at Green Bay. Stroud threw for just 86 yards, which is a good quarter for him most weeks, and absorbed four sacks in a 24-22 loss. The Texans will look to resolve those issues on Sunday when they host the Indianapolis Colts in an AFC South showdown. With Jacksonville struggling at 2-5 and Tennessee last in the division at 1-5, Houston (5-2) has a chance to take control of the division if it beats Indianapolis (4-3) for the second time this season. But before the Texans can get that right, second-year coach DeMeco Ryans knows Stroud, the offensive line and his receivers need to bounce back. “Of course, protection. Also, routes. We made a few plays. We dropped a pass. We dropped a touchdown pass,” Ryans said. “Everything is on the table.” Although last week’s performance represented a career-low total, Stroud still completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 1,663 yards and 10 touchdowns with four interceptions. Stefon Diggs has 42 catches to lead the team, but Houston must play without Nico Collins (club-best 567 yards in five games), who remains on injured reserve with a hamstring issue. Collins’ absence must delight the Colts, a team he recently built. In a 29-27 season-opening victory last month at Indianapolis, Collins finished with six catches for 117 yards, taking advantage of the attention on Diggs. While the Texans attempt to repair their aerial attack, the Colts appear to be trending in the right direction in the standings and injury toll. Not only have they won back-to-back games, including last week’s 16-10 decision over Miami, but it appears they will have running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) back after a three-game absence. Taylor participated in full practice Thursday and Friday and is expected to return Sunday. Taylor compiled 349 yards on 72 carries over the first four games, surpassing 100 yards twice. In contrast, his backups, Tyler Goodson and Trey Sermon, totaled 255 yards on 72 attempts, a good indication of how much the offense needs Taylor. Indianapolis also needs more production in the passing game. In his return from an oblique injury last week, Anthony Richardson completed just 10 of 24 attempts for 129 yards, the second straight week the Colts were held under 200 yards through the air. Michael Pittman had 28 catches for 336 yards despite a back injury that kept him out of practice recently. Indianapolis defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ankle) did not practice Friday and was listed as questionable. Linebacker Cameron McGrone (elbow) was also listed as questionable. Linebacker Jaylon Carlies (fibula, shoulder) and defensive end Genard Avery (foot) are out. For the Texans, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and safety Jimmie Ward (groin) are out. Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o (concussion) is questionable. –Field level media
