The NFL playoffs begin Saturday afternoon in Houston. The Texans are appearing in their eight Wild Card game in franchise history.
All eight of those contests have been played in the Saturday afternoon 4:30 p.m. ET time slot. This season is no different, as they welcome the Los Angeles Chargers to town.
Here’s a look at the latest injury news for the postseason opener.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans Inactives
Los Angeles Chargers Inactives
- DT Justin Eboigbe
- TE Hayden Hurst
- WR Joshua Palmer
- RB Jaret Patterson
- OT Trey Pipkins
- QB Easton Stick
- RB Kimani Vidal
Houston Texans Inactives
- OG Nick Broeker
- DT Kurt Hinish
- DE Jerry Hughes
- OG Shaq Mason
- LB Devin White
Latest Injury Report News and Updates
The Chargers only have one player ruled out for Saturday, that being wide receiver Joshua Palmer. Palmer missed last week’s game with a foot injury and did not practice all week. Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey will be the top two receivers for quarterback Justin Herbert.
The Chargers also have one player, defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor, listed as doubtful for the game with a rib injury.
Six Chargers are listed as questionable for Saturday — wide receiver Quentin Johnson (thigh/illness), running back J.K. Dobbins (ankle), guard Trey Pipkins III (oblique), linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin), wide receiver Simi Fehoko (elbow) and cornerback Eli Apple (hamstring).
Johnston is expected to play after missing practice Wednesday but returning to practice Thursday. Dobbins was limited all week but should be on the field as well.
Apple is listed as questionable but was activated from injured reserve Friday after two full practices, so he is likely to be active for the game.
For the Texans, guard Shaq Mason will miss his third straight game with a knee injury. Juice Scruggs started at right guard last week in place of Mason. Tight end Teagan Quitoriano (calf) was originally listed as questionable following a full week of practice, but the Texans ultimately decided not to activate him from injured reserve.
Three other Texans are questionable — defensive end Denico Autry (knee), linebacker Christian Harris (ankle), and wide receiver John Metchie III (shoulder). All three upgraded in practice throughout the week, culminating in full practices Thursday.
Los Angeles Chargers Projected Starting Lineup
Here is the projected starting lineup for the Chargers based on their current depth chart.
- Quarterback: Justin Herbert
- Running back: J.K. Dobbins
- Fullback: Scott Matlock
- Wide receiver: Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey
- Tight end: Will Dissly
- Left tackle: Rashawn Slater
- Left guard: Zion Johnson
- Center: Bradley Bozeman
- Right guard: Jamaree Salyer
- Right tackle: Joe Alt
- Defensive end: Morgan Fox
- Defensive tackle: Otito Ogbonnia
- Nose tackle: Poona Ford
- Inside linebackers: Daiyan Henley, Troy Dye
- Outside linebackers: Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack
- Cornerbacks: Kristian Fulton, Cam Hart
- Safeties: Derwin James Jr., Alohi Gilman
- Kicker: Cameron Dicker
- Punter: JK Scott
- Long snapper: Josh Harris
- Kick returner: Derius Davis
- Punt returner: Derius Davis
Houston Texans Projected Starting Lineup
Here is the projected starting lineup for the Texans based on their current depth chart.
- Quarterback: C.J. Stroud
- Running back: Joe Mixon
- Wide receiver: Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson
- Tight end: Dalton Schultz
- Left tackle: Laremy Tunsil
- Left guard: Tytus Howard
- Center: Jarrett Patterson
- Right guard: Juice Scruggs
- Right tackle: Blake Fisher
- Defensive ends: Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter
- Defensive tackles: Tim Settle Jr., Mario Edwards Jr.
- Middle linebacker: Henry To’oTo’o
- Weakside linebacker: Neville Hewitt
- Cornerbacks: Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter
- Safeties: Eric Murray, Calen Bullock
- Kicker: Ka’imi Fairbairn
- Punter: Tommy Townsend
- Long snapper: Jon Weeks
- Kick returner: Dameon Pierce
- Punt returner: Robert Woods