Second year edge defenders Will Anderson and Will McDonald both rank inside the top 10 in pressure rate since entering the NFL in 2023 (min. 200 pass rushes), but Anderson has been a significantly more productive run defender.

Sack, fumble recovery in win

Anderson recorded seven tackles, including 1.0 sacks and a fumble recovery in Sunday's 23-20 win over Indianapolis in Week 8.

Analysis: Anderson dealt with a chest injury during the practice week but was cleared of any restrictions well before gametime. The sack upped his season total to 7.5 and established a new career high; Anderson had 7.0 sacks over 15 games during his rookie 2023 season.

Practices in full Thursday

Anderson (chest) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session.

Analysis: Anderson was limited during Wednesday's practice due to a chest injury, but he was able to practice Thursday without restrictions. Barring any setbacks, the 2023 first-round pick should be good to go for Sunday's game against the Colts. Through the first seven games of the regular season, Anderson has logged 20 tackles (15 solo), including a team-high 6.5 sacks, and one pass breakup.

Not a full go

Anderson (chest) was limited during practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Anderson played his typical percentage of snaps in Sunday's loss to the Packers, but it appears the 2023 first-round selection may have suffered a chest injury in the process. An absence Sunday against the Colts for the Alabama product would be a significant blow, so his status for Thursday and Friday will be worth monitoring.

Dominant in win

Anderson logged eight tackles (six solo), including 3.0 sacks, and a pass deflection during Houston's win over New England on Sunday.

Analysis: Anderson had one the best games of his young career Sunday as he led the team in both tackles and sacks. The 2023 first-round pick's three sacks were also the most he's recorded in a game throughout his first two seasons in the league.

Logs sack vs. Vikings

Anderson recorded two total tackles (one solo), including 1.0 sacks, during Sunday's 34-7 loss to the Vikings.

Analysis: The 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year has impressed to begin his sophomore campaign, logging eight total tackles, including 2.5 sacks, across the Texans' first three contests. Anderson and Danielle Hunter are expected to remain one of the deadliest edge-rushing duos in all of football as the Texans host the Jaguars in Week 4.

Tallies 1.5 sacks Week 2

Anderson registered four tackles (two solo), including 1.5 sacks, in Sunday's 19-13 win over Chicago.

Analysis: Anderson tied Danielle Hunter for most sacks on the Texans on Sunday, and the duo combined for three of the team's seven sacks on Caleb Williams. Anderson was on the field for 50 of the Texans' 70 defensive snaps, which is the first time he's reached the half-century mark since Week 6 against the Saints in 2023.

Good to go for Week 1

Anderson (ankle) isn't listed on Houston's Week 1 injury report.

Analysis: Anderson was a full participant in practice Wednesday, suggesting he's over the ankle injury that sidelined him during training camp and the preseason. The 2023 first-round draft pick should be available for Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the Colts as he looks to build on a promising rookie regular season in which he posted 7.0 sacks.

May practice Wednesday

Anderson (ankle) may test his injury during Wednesday's practice, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Analysis: Anderson, who was sidelined for most of the preseason, made steady progress late in camp and ran last week, but did not participate in drills. Sources indicate Anderson's trending toward playing against the Colts this weekend.

Recovery going well

Anderson hasn't returned to practice yet, but his activity levels continue to increase as he recovers from his ankle injury, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Analysis: The increasing activity levels are a positive sign for the Texans, as Anderson is expected to be ready for the team's Week 1 contest against the Colts on Sep. 8. While Anderson continues to work back from his ankle issue, expect Derek Barnett to line up opposite Danielle Hunter as Houston's first-team pass rushers.

Expected to play Week 1

Anderson (ankle) is expected to play in Houston's Week 1 contest against the Colts, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Analysis: The 2023 third overall pick has been sidelined since the beginning of August due to an ankle injury, but it appears he could return to the field soon. Anderson recorded 45 total tackles, including 7.0 sacks, last season en route to winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, and he's expected line up opposite Danielle Hunter and continue wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks in 2024.

Still sidelined

Anderson (ankle) is still not practicing this week, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Analysis: Anderson was first reportedly dealing with a soft-tissue injury Aug. 7 and has remained sidelined since. According to Wilson, it's not expected to be a long-term issue, so the Texans could just be taking a cautious approach with the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year. With one preseason game remaining on Saturday against the Rams, Anderson most likely won't suit up until Week 1 against the Colts.

Hindered by injury

Anderson (undisclosed) is nursing a soft-tissue injury ahead of Friday's preseason opener against Pittsburgh, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Analysis: Anderson appears to be unlikely to play Friday against the Steelers, but the injury is considered to be a relatively minor one. The 23-year-old has put on 15 pounds ahead of his second year in the NFL, and he'll look to take a step forward with the Texans in 2024.

Bulks up for Year 2

Anderson said Thursday that he's added 15 pounds without losing any speed entering training camp, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Anderson was listed at 6-foot-4, 243 pounds as a rookie, and if he's indeed reached above the 255-pound mark without sacrificing any burst, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year could enter 2024 as a more dominant pass-rusher. He notched tallied 7.0 sacks and 45 tackles in the regular season despite missing two games as a rookie, and playing only 590 defensive snaps, a role which seems sure to expand Year 2. The Texans also added Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry this offseason, positioning…read more

Honored for strong rookie season

Anderson was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: The Texans drew plenty of attention for aggressively trading up to the third pick in the 2023 Draft to select Anderson, though he certainly delivered in his first season. Despite missing two games, Anderson still tallied seven sacks and 45 tackles while playing 590 defensive snaps. Anderson's role should continue to grow, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see his production take a step forward in 2024.

Added to Pro Bowl roster

Anderson was named to the Pro Bowl on Wednesday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Anderson, the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, had a strong rookie season. He recorded 45 tackles, 67 quarterback pressures, seven sacks, one pass defensed and a blocked field goal over 15 regular games, He and Jonathan Greenard (12.5 sacks) were a disruptive tandem on each end of the defensive front.

All set for divisional round

Anderson (ankle) does not carry an injury designation into Saturday's divisional-round matchup with the Ravens.

Analysis: Anderson was either limited or unavailable for each of Houston's practice sessions this week, but he'll be ready to go for Saturday's contest with Baltimore. The rookie recorded three tackles, including a sack, in the Texans' wild-card round win over the Browns and he'll look to get to Lamar Jackson in Saturday's contest.

Returns to practice Thursday

Anderson (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Anderson was back in action Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury. The rookie first-round pick is now trending towards playing in Saturday's divisional-round clash versus Baltimore.

Doesn't practice Wednesday

Anderson (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Anderson has been missing a lot of practice time over the last month-plus, but he's played each of the last three games after missing Weeks 15 and 16 with the ankle injury. The rookie played 52 percent of the defensive snaps last week against Cleveland, recording three tackles (two solo) and one sack.

Ready for playoff action

Anderson (ankle) is set to play in Saturday's wild-card contest against the Browns.

Analysis: Anderson has been nursing a lingering ankle injury for about a month. He has played through the pain in the Texans' previous two games, and the first-round rookie will now suit up for his first-ever playoff game. Look for him to take on his usual responsibilities at defensive end assuming no setbacks.

Questionable for Saturday

Anderson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game versus the Browns.

Analysis: Anderson was able to play through his ankle injury in Houston's regular-season finale, so he is likely on the 'probable' end of the questionable designation. If he can't go Saturday, Derek Barnett would be in line to start on the edge.

Doesn't practice Tuesday

Anderson (ankle) didn't practice Tuesday.

Analysis: Anderson missed Weeks 15 and 16 with the ankle injury but returned in Week 17 and ramped up his snap rate from 22 percent to 47 percent last week against the Colts. Expect Anderson to be out there Saturday against the Browns.

Good to go versus Indianapolis

Anderson (ankle) is active for Saturday's game against the Colts, Drew Dougherty of the Texans' official site reports.

Analysis: Anderson was able to get in a limited practice session Thursday after being listed as a DNP the previous two days. He returned from a two-week absence against the Titans in Week 17 and finished with two sacks.

Gets tagged as questionable

Anderson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game at Indianapolis.

Analysis: Anderson was also listed as questionable with the same ankle injury before ultimately playing in Week 17, so he's likely on the 'probable' end of the questionable designation. If he can't go in Week 18, though, Derek Barnett would figure to see an expanded role on the edge.

Estimated as DNP on Tuesday

Anderson (ankle) was estimated as a non-participant on Tuesday's practice report.

Analysis: Anderson missed Weeks 15 and 16 before returning last Sunday against the Titans, logging two sacks on just 12 defensive snaps. With the Texans holding a sizable lead for most of the day, they didn't need to push Anderson versus Tennessee, but this Saturday's game against the Colts is of greater stakes. The winner will make the playoffs, and the loser will miss out of the postseason, barring a series of unexpected outcomes from Sunday's contests.

Efficient in win

Anderson recorded two tackles, two sacks and three quarterback hits in Sunday's 26-3 win over the Titans in Week 17.

Analysis: Anderson was coming off a two-week absence due to an ankle injury and made the most of his 12 snaps. The rookie edge rusher now has seven sacks with six of them coming in the last seven games played. Houston's defense made it easy for the coaching staff to limit Anderson's snap count, preserving him for a bid showdown on the road against the Colts in Week 18, when the winner qualifies for the playoffs.

Efficient in win

Anderson recorded two sacks and an additional quarterback hit in Sunday's 26-3 win over the Titans in Week 17.

Analysis: Anderson, who came off a two-week absence due to an ankle injury, made the most of his 12 snaps. The rookie edge rusher now has seven sacks in 2023, with six of them coming in the last seven games played. Houston's defense made it easy for the coaching staff to limit Anderson's snap count; it produced six sacks, got off the field on 11 of 12 third-down attempts and limited Tennessee to 237 yards of total offense. Anderson should be at full throttle on the road against the Colts in Week 18, when…read more

Active Sunday

Anderson (ankle) is active ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans, Drew Dougherty of the Texans' official site reports.

Analysis: The third-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft is now in line to play in Sunday's affair after beginning the Texans' week of practice with back-to-back DNPs. Anderson has started all 13 games he's appeared in for Houston in his rookie year, recording 42 total tackles, including eight tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks.

Questionable for Week 17

Anderson (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's Week 17 game against the Titans.

Analysis: Anderson was able to get in a limited practice Friday after logging a pair of DNPs Wednesday and Thursday. The rookie No. 3 overall pick in this year's draft, Anderson has missed the last two games. He has 5.0 sacks on the year, good for second on the Texans.

Not practicing Wednesday

Anderson (ankle) did not participate at practice Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Analysis: Anderson has sat out the last two weeks, and now his availability for Week 17 appears to be in jeopardy too. He'll probably need to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday to have a chance to play Sunday.

Will miss second straight week

Anderson (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Browns.

Analysis: It'll be the second straight game that Anderson will miss after he sustained an ankle injury against the Jets in Week 14. Derek Barnett saw his defensive snap count rise in Anderson's absence against the Titans in Week 15, and the former will likely see increased work for Week 16.

Misses practice again

Anderson (ankle) did not participate in practice for the second day in a row Thursday.

Analysis: The defensive end also sat out Sunday's win over the Titans. If Anderson is unable to return to practice Friday, he may have to be sidelined again this week. Derek Barnett is next up on the depth chart.

Won't suit up at Tennessee

Anderson (ankle) is listed as out for Sunday's game at Tennessee.

Analysis: As expected, Anderson will be sidelined for the first time in his young career Sunday while he recovers from a high-ankle sprain. In Anderson's stead, veterans Jerry Hughes and Derek Barnett should both be in store for expanded snaps at the defensive end spot opposite Jonathan Greenard.

Likely out Sunday

Anderson didn't practice Thursday and is wearing a walking boot while trying to recover from a high ankle sprain suffered in Sunday's loss to the Jets, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Analysis: Considering where Anderson appears to be in his recovery, it seems highly doubtful he'll suit up Sunday against the Titans, and he could potentially be looking at a multi-week absence. Assuming, Anderson does sit out in Week 15, Jerry Hughes, Derek Barnett and Myjai Sanders will all be candidates to step up in his absence.

Remains sidelined Thursday

Anderson (ankle) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Anderson has yet to miss a game this season but is in danger of doing so this week, especially if he can't practice Friday. The rookie has started all 13 contests, recording 42 tackles (27 solo), including five sacks and an additional three tackles for loss, and 19 total quarterback hits on 67 percent of the defensive snaps.

Not able to practice Wednesday

Anderson (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Anderson hurt his ankle in Sunday's loss to the Jets and wasn't on the field for the first day of Week 15 prep. The rookie has also dealt with a knee and shoulder injury this season, though he hasn't yet missed any games. Anderson's ability to suit up this Sunday against the Titans could be determined by his ability to return to practice over the next two days.

Questionable to return

Anderson is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Jets with an ankle injury.

Analysis: The rookie did not record a tackle before exiting. Anderson has 42 tackles, including five sacks, on the season. Derek Barnett is next up on the depth chart.

Misses practice Friday

Anderson did not participate in Friday's practice due to a shoulder injury, Dennis Silva II of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Anderson, who does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's road game against the Jets, was a full participant Thursday before sitting out Friday. His status for Week 14 is unclear, and there's potential for the rookie edge rusher to be added to the injury report Saturday. The Jets rank 30th in points per game (14.3), which makes Houston's defense an attractive option this week. Anderson is coming off a two-sack, disruptive performance in the Week 13 takedown of the Broncos and has…read more

Big effort in win

Anderson recorded five tackles including two sacks, four total quarterback hits and one pass defensed in Sunday's 22-17 win over the Broncos in Week 13.

Analysis: Anderson had the type of impact game Houston expected when it selected him third overall in the 2023 Draft. The rookie edge rusher had plenty of quarterback pressures and hits coming into Sunday, but Anderson's sack total lagged. The two QB takedowns versus Denver give him 5.0 for the season.

Full participant Thursday

Anderson (knee) was a full participant at Thursday's practice,

Analysis: Anderson was sidelined at Wednesday's practice, but he bounced back with a full workload Thursday. Barring any setbacks, he looks on track to take on his usual workload at defensive end in Sunday's matchup with the Jaguars.

Still dealing with knee injury

Anderson (knee) did not participate at practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Anderson was able to play through the knee issue in Sunday's win versus the Cardinals, so it could be that the Texans are just giving him a little extra rest to start the new week. Either way, he'll probably need to practice in full Thursday or Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

Makes impact despite injury

Anderson had two tackles (both for a loss), one sack and two quarterback hits in Week 11's 21-16 win over the Cardinals.

Analysis: Anderson was questionable all week with a knee injury but suited up and played 40 snaps (66 percent). The rookie edge rusher averages 45 snaps per game, so he was right around the season average. The sack was Anderson's second in three games and third of the season.

Makes impact despite injury

Anderson had two tackles (both for a loss), one sack and two quarterback hits in Week 11's 21-16 win over the Cardinals.

Analysis: Anderson was questionable all week with a knee injury but suited up and played 40 snaps (66 percent). The rookie edge rusher averages 45 snaps per game, so he was right at his typical workload. The sack was Anderson's second in three games and third of the season.

Active for Week 11

Anderson (knee) is active for Sunday's matchup with the Cardinals.

Analysis: Anderson's participation at practice this week fluctuated and he even sat out Friday's final session, but he now appears to be ready to go for Houston's Week 11 contest with Arizona. The rookie has compiled seven tackles, including a sack, over the Texans' last three games following their bye week.

Questionable for Sunday vs. Cards

Anderson (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus Arizona, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Anderson did not participate at practice Friday after logging a full practice Thursday, so it's possible he hit a setback in recovering from his knee injury. If he's unable to suit up in Week 11, Jerry Hughes could start at defensive end in his place.

Full practice Thursday

Anderson (knee) was a full participant at the Texans' practice Thursday.

Analysis: Anderson was once again able to increase his workload to open the week after dealing with a knee injury entering Week 10 versus Cincinnati, and he now appears set to be on the field Sunday against the Cardinals. The linebacker has recorded seven tackles, including a sack, since Houston's Week 7 bye.

Logs limited practice Wednesday

Anderson (knee) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Anderson has been dealing with a knee injury since last week, when he began Week 10 prep by sitting out practice before following with a limited and then a full session. He was ultimately able to suit up for this past Sunday's win over Cincinnati and played on 68 percent of Houston's defensive snaps. Unless he suffered a setback in that contest, Anderson appears to have a strong chance of taking the field this Sunday against Arizona, though his practice status Thursday and Friday should…read more

Good to go at Cincinnati

Anderson (knee) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game at the Bengals.

Analysis: Anderson progressed from not practicing Wednesday to a limited practice Thursday and a full practice Friday, clearing himself for Week 10. The rookie edge rusher's availability will make things substantially more difficult for Joe Burrow and the Bengals' pass-heavy offense.

Manages limited practice Thursday

Anderson (knee) was a limited participant at practice Thursday.

Analysis: It's a positive step for Anderson after he sat out of practice Wednesday. If he's able to practice in full Friday, he could avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

Tending to knee injury

Anderson (knee) did not participate at practice Wednesday, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: It's not clear when Anderson picked up the knee issue or how severe it might be. Houston's injury reports Thursday and Friday will shed more light on the specifics of the situation.

Gets second career sack in win

Anderson had three tackles (two solo), including a sack, in Sunday's 39-37 win over the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Anderson got to Baker Mayfield early in the first quarter to register the second sack of his young career. Anderson's two sacks on the season ranks fourth among rookies behind Byron Young (five), Jalen Carter (four) and Dante Stills (2.5). Anderson will look to build off his totals in Week 10 against the Bengals.

Blocks field-goal attempt

Anderson collected four tackles, two quarterback hits and blocked a field-goal attempt in Sunday's 37-17 win over Jacksonville in Week 3.

Analysis: Anderson was a disruptive force Week 3. In addition to getting to quarterback Trevor Lawrence twice, the rookie lineman blocked Brandon McManus' 51-yard field-goal attempt in the second quarter, his first block in the NFL. The Texans took over at the Jaguars' 41-yard line and scored a touchdown -- a 10-point swing -- to take a 14-0 lead. Anderson has 13 tackles, including one sack, and four additional quarterback hits through three games.

Gets sack in NFL debut

Anderson recorded six tackles, including a sack, during Sunday's 25-9 loss at the Ravens.

Analysis: Anderson worked through a holding penalty and brought down the notoriously elusive Lamar Jackson to earn his first career sack. He also played a large portion of Houston's defensive snaps (44) in Week 1, another encouraging sign for the rookie. The Texans are scheduled to host Indianapolis and Anthony Richardson (knee) -- another mobile signal-caller -- in Week 2.

Shows off in preseason loss

Anderson recorded two tackles, one for a loss, a sack and forced a fumble in Saturday's preseason loss to Miami.

Analysis: Anderson popped immediately, tackling Raheem Mostert for a five-yard loss on the Dolphins' second possession. He later bulldozed De'Von Achane to sack Skylar Thompson, who fumbled but recovered the ball immediately. The rookie edge rusher, drafted third overall in 2023, has impressed during training camp and should start Week 1 against the Ravens.