The Texans vs. Jaguars London matchup will feature a new weapon for quarterback C.J. Stroud. Houston coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that recently acquired receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will play Sunday at Wembley Stadium.
The Week 6 game begins at 8:30 a.m. Central on Oct. 18. NFL Network will carry the game nationally.
Texans vs. Jaguars London Trip Comes at Critical Point
Houston enters the AFC South matchup with a 1-4 record. The Texans earned their first victory Sunday with a 26-3 win over the Tennessee Titans.
Jacksonville leads the division at 4-1. The Jaguars defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 19-17 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in their first of two consecutive London games.
The Texans maintained their regular practice schedule in Houston early in the week. The team planned to fly to London on Thursday evening.
This will be Houston’s second regular-season appearance in London. The Texans also faced Jacksonville there in 2019.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Will Make Texans Debut
Houston officially acquired Harrison from the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 12. The Texans also waived receiver Jared Wayne to create a roster spot.
Harrison joined practice Wednesday after working to learn Houston’s playbook. Ryans praised the receiver’s preparation and confirmed that Harrison will play against Jacksonville.
The game will reunite Harrison with Stroud. The two played together at Ohio State before entering the NFL as highly rated prospects.
Arizona selected Harrison fourth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has recorded 108 career receptions for 1,578 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Harrison played four games for Arizona this season. He caught five passes for 85 yards and one touchdown before the trade.
Houston has not announced how many snaps Harrison will receive in London. He joins a receiver group led by Nico Collins, with Kayshon Boutte, Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson also contributing.
Tank Dell Returns to Full Practice
Tank Dell participated fully in Wednesday’s practice as he continues working back from a knee injury. The receiver remains on injured reserve with a designation to return.
Full participation does not guarantee Dell will play Sunday. Houston must activate him to the 53-man roster before he can enter the game.
Safety Ja’Marcus Ingram, another player designated to return, practiced on a limited basis because of an elbow injury.
Houston activated veteran offensive tackle Braden Smith from injured reserve Wednesday. Smith’s return could provide important depth after starting tackle Trent Brown missed practice with a knee injury.
Texans Injury Report Includes Four Nonparticipants
Four Houston players did not participate in Wednesday’s opening practice:
- Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, groin
- Offensive tackle Trent Brown, knee
- Running back David Montgomery, groin
- Safety Jalen Pitre, shoulder
Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was limited because of a knee injury. Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o was limited with a shoulder injury.
Will Anderson Jr., Nico Collins, Logan Hall and Dalton Schultz received limited work for rest. Their listings did not identify new injuries.
Dell and rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz participated fully. Woodaz appeared on the report with a thumb injury.
The Wednesday report did not include final game designations. Participation levels can change during Thursday and Friday practices.
Texans Continue Adjusting the Roster
Houston activated Smith and added quarterback Mark Gronowski and receiver Bryce Oliver to the practice squad Wednesday.
The Texans also signed defensive end Chris Braswell to the practice squad Thursday. They released linebacker Kenneth Murray.
Houston waived Braswell from the active roster Tuesday before bringing him back on the practice squad. The team also released center Gavin Gerhardt and receiver Daniel Sobkowicz.
The moves give Houston flexibility before traveling overseas. Teams can elevate eligible practice-squad players for game day if additional depth becomes necessary.
Jaguars Lose Starting Left Tackle
Jacksonville placed starting left tackle Anton Harrison on injured reserve after he suffered a knee injury against Philadelphia. Veteran Walker Little will start against Houston.
That change creates an important matchup against Houston’s pass rush. Anderson recorded three sacks against Tennessee, while Danielle Hunter also produced a sack.
The Jaguars held practice Wednesday at The Grove in Watford. Cornerback Montaric Brown and long snapper Ross Matiscik did not participate.
Jacksonville listed several players as limited, including cornerbacks Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones. Safety Eric Murray was limited while progressing through the concussion protocol.
No final game statuses had been announced after Wednesday’s practices.
How to Watch Texans Against Jaguars
The Texans and Jaguars will kick off at 8:30 a.m. Central on Sunday, Oct. 18, at Wembley Stadium. NFL Network will televise the game.
Houston is trying to build momentum after its first win. Jacksonville is seeking its fourth consecutive victory and a stronger position in the AFC South.
Harrison’s debut adds another major storyline. However, the final injury reports and roster activations will help determine how much support Houston has available in London.