News Article
Published
Oct 12, 2026 at 04:01 PM EDT
The Houston Texans finally got their season back on track Sunday, cruising to a 26-3 win over the Tennessee Titans in Nashville to secure their first victory of 2026.
After a slow start offensively, Houston took control in the second quarter, with Ka'imi Fairbairn drilling three field goals to give the Texans a 12-3 halftime lead. C.J. Stroud then took over, scoring on a two-yard rushing touchdown before connecting with Jaylin Noel for a fourth-quarter touchdown. Stroud finished 26 of 34 for 261 yards and one touchdown with zero interceptions.
But it wasn't all good news out of Houston on Monday. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Texans running back David Montgomery (groin) and safety Jalen Pitre (shoulder), who both suffered injuries in Sunday's win over the Titans, are considered "week-to-week" with their setbacks.
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Montgomery hurt his groin in the second quarter of Sunday's game, while Pitre injured his shoulder late. The loss of both players is significant given that they're two regular starters, though the injury to Pitre is more problematic.
Montgomery hasn't gotten going at all this season, with just 138 yards and two touchdowns on 52 carries, averaging a horrendous 2.7 yards per carry. This injury opens the door for Woody Marks to take control of the backfield after having his best game of the season Sunday against Tennessee, rushing for 62 yards on 15 carries (4.1 yards per carry), along with 23 receiving yards.
Pitre, however, is one of the best young safeties in the NFL and was in line for another strong season this year, with 24 combined tackles, including 15 solo, five pass breakups, one tackle for loss, and one fumble recovery through five games.
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Houston next hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars, who sit atop the division at 4-1, before road games against the Chargers and Browns. Those are three winnable games, but ones where the defense will be tested should Pitre miss.