The Houston Texans will rest their key starters in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans as they look forward to the playoffs.
It looks like the Tennessee Titans may be getting a late Christmas present from their divisional foes.
A source told ESPN’s Dianna Russini that the Texans are expected to start backup quarterback AJ McCarron against the Tennessee Titans, with Deshaun Watson active in a backup role.
Additionally, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is also expected to be active, but reportedly won’t play very much
This is good news for a Titans team that needs to win today in order to secure their second playoff berth in three years.
As we get ready for Titans and Texans, I’m told QB Deshaun Watson is expected to be the back up QB behind A.J. McCarron. WR DeAndre Hopkins will be active but isn’t expected to play much. Texans well aware the postseason doesn’t actually start until next weekend.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) December 29, 2019
Watson had been limited all week in practice after suffering a back injury, while Hopkins was limited on Thursday and did not practice Friday due to an illness.
Both men were listed as “questionable” on the injury report, along with multiple other Texans players, including wide receiver Kenny Stills (knee) and Laremy Tunsil (ankle).
Wide receiver Will Fuller had already been ruled out for this game due to a groin injury, just one of many Texans injuries.
This game isn’t exactly meaningless for the Texans, however, as they are currently the fourth seed in the AFC playoff standings, and could move up to third with a win and a Kansas City Chiefs loss.
Should they stay at the fourth seed, they would host the Buffalo Bills next Sunday, whereas if they move to the third seed, their opponent for next week is unknown, and could be either the Titans, the Raiders, or the Steelers.
However, due to the fact that they are dealing with so many injuries mixed with not knowing their opponent for the Wild Card round should they move to the third seed, it probably behooves the Texans to rest their starters and prepare to face the Bills next week.