Right now, Houston sports fans have reason to feel optimistic the Texans, Rockets, and Astros all look like playoff contenders. And with playoff contention comes hope, the emotional fuel of fandom. But nothing kills hope faster than a significant injury.
Injuries vary. Season-ending ones like Texans WR Tank Dell’s knee injury allow teams and fans to adjust expectations. Minor injuries are simply part of the game. But the worst are those recurring or unexpected injuries to key players the kind that hang over a season like a dark cloud.
Here are the five body parts Houston fans worry about most:
1. Yordan Alvarez’s Hand
Alvarez’s recurring hand issues have resurfaced the same problem sidelined him in 2022 for 27 games. Add that to his past double knee surgery and a 2023 oblique strain, and the concern is valid. When will he be back? Will the hand flare up again? These questions linger for one of the Astros’ biggest bats.
2. Nico Collins’ Hamstrings
Collins has been injury-prone throughout his NFL career, and in 2024, just as he was tearing up defenses, a hamstring injury cut short his breakout momentum. He was on track for 2,000 receiving yards before missing five games. Despite the setback, he still surpassed 1,000 yards, leaving fans wondering what could’ve been.
3. Will Anderson Jr.’s Ankles
Anderson has missed time in each of his first two seasons due to ankle injuries both against the Jets, coincidentally. As the emotional and physical core of the Texans’ defense, his availability is crucial. His knack for getting injured on fluke plays makes his ankles a major concern.
4. Derek Stingley Jr., Head to Toe
Stingley finally played a full season in 2024 and earned First-Team All-Pro honors. But his injury history prior to that dating back to college makes fans nervous. With a fresh $90 million contract, all eyes are on whether 2024 was the start of consistent health.
5. C.J. Stroud’s Head
The franchise quarterback suffered a concussion after being slammed to the turf by the Jets’ Quinnen Williams last season. Since then, every hit Stroud takes behind the Texans’ shaky offensive line is cause for anxiety. His health, particularly his head, is arguably the most critical factor for Houston’s success moving forward.
In a city full of playoff hopes, these five injury concerns loom large, each capable of derailing a promising season in an instant.
