Houston Texans WR Noah Brown has been out injured since Week 17 with a back injury. Brown has been a useful weapon for the Texans’ offense, but he has dealt with foot and knee issues throughout the later part of the season.
However, with the playoffs now in focus, how likely is it that Brown will return?
Will Noah Brown Play Against the Cleveland Browns?
Update 01/13/2024: Noah Brown is officially active and will play against the Browns.
Brown is officially questionable to play against the Browns on Wild Card Weekend after suffering a back injury. Brown hurt his back against the Tennessee Titans in Week 17 and was out in Week 18 due to the injury.
However, there seems to be some good news in the latest update on Brown, as the Texans released their most up-to-date injury report. Brown is listed as questionable to face the Browns in the opening round of the playoffs.
Brown has been unable to practice as he recovers from the injury, and the official report states that he didn’t practice on Tuesday or Wednesday. However, he returned to practice on Thursday.
The receiver was confirmed on the official report as limited in Thursday’s practice, and Brown was listed as questionable for the game against the Browns.
If Brown was to be healthy for the postseason, it would be a huge boost to the Texans, who have already seen electric rookie Tank Dell go down with a season-ending fibula injury.
Meanwhile, fellow wideout Robert Woods is also listed as questionable for the Wild Card matchup with a hip injury, although he did participate in practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
The back injury that kept Brown out since the victory over the Titans is reportedly a transverse process fracture. It is a type of spinal fracture to the “bony projection on either side of your vertebrae,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. They also state that the timeline for recovery depends on the severity of the fracture.
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Without Brown, Houston would have to rely heavily on Nico Collins to lead its passing attack. The receiver has broken out in 2023 under HC DeMeco Ryans, garnering 1,297 receiving yards and eight touchdowns during 15 regular-season games.
Brown has played in 10 games in 2023 — starting seven — and has accumulated 567 yards and two touchdowns. Brown has been targeted 55 times in 2023 and is averaging 17.2 yards per reception. Brown signed with the Texans in 2023 as a free agent after spending five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.
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