Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans mentioned on Monday that defensive end Will Anderson Jr. is “trending toward” being ready for Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.
Anderson had missed most of August due to an ankle injury, but Ryans noted that he was running last week and seems on track to be available for the season opener.
Coming off a standout rookie season, Anderson earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with 45 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and one pass deflection. He also blocked a field goal. The 6-foot-4 defender played a key role in the Texans’ turnaround from a 3-13-1 team to a 10-7 AFC South division champion. Despite being considered one of the league’s worst teams in 2022, the Texans made a surprising playoff run in 2023, reaching the AFC Divisional Round before falling to the Baltimore Ravens.
Anderson was crucial in the Texans’ defensive improvement last season. The team jumped from 30th in total yards allowed per game in 2022 to 14th in 2023 and from 27th in points allowed per game to 11th. The most notable progress came in run defense, where they improved from last place in 2022, allowing an average of 170.2 rushing yards per game, to 6th place in 2023, conceding just 96.6 yards per game.
Anderson’s presence was a major factor in this defensive boost. Although the Texans had some notable run defense lapses, such as allowing 100 yards to Lamar Jackson and 188 yards to Jonathan Taylor late in the season, their overall performance was markedly better.
The Texans were confident in Anderson’s potential when they drafted him out of Alabama. After selecting quarterback C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick in 2023, they traded up to secure Anderson at No. 3. Despite initial skepticism about giving up additional draft picks, Anderson has justified the move with his impactful play.
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