The Houston Texans have an opportunity to extend their winning streak to three games and they'll have a better chance of doing so with a key contributor to their defense. According to Ian Rapoport, Johnathan Joseph is active versus the Indianapolis Colts.
The #Texans are getting back veteran Johnathan Joseph (hamstring) today against the #Colts, source said. A lift for their secondary.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 20, 2019
Joseph missed last week's game against the Kansas City Chiefs with a hamstring injury. Fortunately, that same hamstring injury won't prevent him from making his return in Week 7.
Even at 35 years old, Joseph is still a crucial piece of Houston's secondary. Especially when the team is expected to be without Bradley Roby for another couple of games.
Over his first five starts this season, the veteran cornerback has combined for 32 tackles and seven pass deflections. Additionally, Joseph has allowed 29 receptions on the 45 times he's been targeted.
Of course, Joseph isn't the same player he was five years ago but he's still a difference-maker. With Roby out in the secondary, Houston could elect to have Joseph cover T.Y. Hilton for the majority of the game.
Over the course of his career, Hilton has always had plenty of success against the Texans. As a matter of fact, he's caught 76 passes for 1,445 yards and nine touchdowns when playing the Texans. All of those numbers are his career-highs against any team in the NFL.
Therefore, it is crucial that Houston has as many healthy members of their secondary active in Week 7. With a victory on Sunday, the Texans would create a sizable lead in the AFC South.
Unlike Joseph, Tashaun Gipson is listed as questionable for Sunday with a hip and wrist injury. If he's unable to go, Jahleel Addae or Mike Adams could see an increased role in the secondary.
Follow Us
Subscribe