The Houston Texans are getting set for one of their biggest games in franchise history, and they’ll need their key players at full strength to upset the Kansas City Chiefs in Saturday’s Divisional Round showdown. Tight end Dalton Schultz, a crucial piece of the Texans’ offense, has been a limited participant in practice this week due to a shoulder injury.
The veteran tight end has been relatively healthy all season as they won the AFC South with a 10-7 record. Schultz logged 73% of the offensive snaps in last Saturday’s 32-12 Wild Card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, catching two of his four targets for 23 yards. With rookie tight end Cade Stover placed on injured reserve earlier this week due to a fractured collarbone, Schultz could play a significant role against the Chiefs this weekend.
Texans TE Dalton Schultz a Limited Participant
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that Stover’s injury will require season-ending surgery, leaving Houston thin at the position (and at wide receiver).
Schultz’s experience and reliability make him the obvious candidate to step up. The 28-year-old posted 53 receptions for 532 yards and two touchdowns during the regular season, and his contributions in the passing game could be pivotal as the Texans attempt to keep pace with the playoff-tested Chiefs offense.
Due to his shoulder injury, Schultz was a limited participant in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, he was a full participant, and he doesn’t have an injury designation for this game, so he is good to go.
Prior to today’s game, Schultz went through his pregame warmup, and barring a last-minute setback, the Texans will have their starting tight end against Kansas City.
#TexansvsChiefs tight end Dalton Schultz @BinghamBaller9 and teammates get ready for today's playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/ZDREPF3S5D
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 18, 2025
While Schultz’s limited status early in the week initially raised questions about his availability for Saturday, he isn’t the only Texans player who’s dealing with an injury.
Joe Mixon (ankle), Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), and Robert Woods (hip) are all questionable. However, the Texans did get some good news, as Shaq Mason (knee sprain) is returning to the starting lineup for Houston.
Saturday’s matchup is a historic opportunity for the Texans, who are making their sixth Divisional Round appearance. A win would send them to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history, but the odds are stacked against them.
Kansas City is looking to pull off the first three-peat in NFL history and has beaten Houston in their last four meetings. The Texans haven’t defeated the Chiefs since Oct. 13, 2019, and Arrowhead Stadium remains one of the NFL’s most challenging environments.
Still, Schultz has shown the ability to shine against the Chiefs. In their most recent meeting on Dec. 21, 2024, Schultz made a spectacular touchdown grab in a losing effort as Houston fell 27-19.
Kickoff between the Chiefs and Texans is set for this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. ET, with the Texans looking to shock the football world and end Kansas City’s reign.
Will Schultz find the end zone again and help Houston achieve the unthinkable?
