The Houston Texans arrived in London Friday morning before practicing at Harrow School in the city’s northwest suburbs. The team is preparing to face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Houston completed the workout only hours after its overnight flight from Texas. The Texans are seeking their second straight victory after defeating the Tennessee Titans in Week 5.
Texans Arrive in London After Travel Delay
The Texans left Houston Thursday evening after completing most of their weekly preparation at home. However, the team encountered a delay before beginning the transatlantic flight.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans said the Texans had to change planes because of an unspecified issue. The team eventually boarded another aircraft and arrived safely Friday morning.
“We got the right plane. Everybody is safe and well, so that’s all that matters,” Ryans said after practice.
The Texans previously planned for an approximately eight-and-a-half-hour flight. Coaches encouraged players to sleep during the trip and begin adjusting to London’s six-hour time difference.
Houston followed a travel plan similar to the one used during its 2019 visit. The Texans arrived two days before that game and defeated Jacksonville 26-3 at Wembley Stadium.
Houston Texans Practice at Harrow School
After checking into their hotel, the Texans traveled to Harrow School for Friday’s practice. The historic school is among the oldest educational institutions in the United Kingdom.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud participated in the workout alongside Houston’s available offensive players. He said the extended travel time gave teammates another opportunity to connect.
“Practice was really good today,” Stroud said.
The Texans moved Friday’s practice back one hour following the travel delay. Ryans said the players responded well despite the unusual schedule.
Houston will hold its normal Saturday walkthrough before traveling to Wembley for Sunday’s game.
Key Players Ruled Out for Sunday
The Texans traveled without wide receiver Tank Dell, running back David Montgomery and safety Jalen Pitre. All three players have been ruled out against Jacksonville.
Dell is dealing with a knee injury, while Montgomery has a groin injury. Pitre will miss the game because of a shoulder injury.
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and offensive tackle Trent Brown were full participants Friday. Safety Ja’Marcus Ingram and linebacker Henry To’oTo’o remain questionable.
Newly acquired receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. practiced with the team and is expected to make his Texans debut. Harrison recently joined Houston in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals.
Harrison reunites with Stroud after the pair played together at Ohio State. Ryans said coaches will give the receiver specific assignments while he continues learning Houston’s offense.
Texans Face Important AFC South Test
The Texans enter the game with a 1-4 record. Jacksonville leads the AFC South at 4-1 after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in London last weekend.
The Jaguars remained in England between games, giving them a full week to adjust. However, Ryans said the Texans must focus on execution instead of the different travel schedules.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Central Time and 2:30 p.m. in London. NFL Network will broadcast the game.
Houston will return home immediately afterward and begin preparing for its Week 7 matchup against the New York Giants.