Top 2 LBs test positive for COVID

The Texans look likely to go without their top 2 LBs for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars. Christian Kirksey and Kamu Grugier-Hill have each tested positive for COVID. We’ll see whether either LB has a shot to return. Kevin Pierre-Louis and Neville Hewitt figure to lead the LB playing time if they dont

The Texans are hiring Demeco Ryans as HC, according to multiple reports. This has been assumed for at least a few days now, and it makes loads of sense for Houston. Ryans was a team leader across 6 years as MLB with the Texans, before finishing his playing career with 4 seasons in Philadelphia. He spent the past 6 years on San Francisco's coaching staff, including the past 2 as DC. Ryans piloted a 49ers defense that ranked 3rd and 1st in yards allowed the past 2 seasons; 9th and 1st in points allowed. He inherits a Texans roster that needs plenty of work. But Houston does hold 5 picks among the 1st 3 rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, including the #2 and #12 overall selections. Expect the Texans to select their next QB in Round 1, with Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Will Levis all in the current early-Round 1 discussion. The 49ers defense, meanwhile, should be fine. San Francisco ranked 6th and 2nd in Football Outsiders' defensive DVOA the 2 years before Ryans took the helm.

Texans S Justin Reid came away from Sunday's loss to the 49ers with "slight" ankle and knee injuries, according to Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 in Houston. DE Jonathan Greenard also left the game with a shoulder injury. We'll see about the status for each player this week.

According to multiple reports, the Texans will be hiring David Culley as their new HC. Culley has been coaching in the NFL since 1994, spending the past 2 seasons as the passing-game coordinator, WRs coach and assistant HC in Baltimore. Before that, he spent 2 years as Buffalo's QBs coach, 18 years working under Andy Reid -- 14 as WRs coach in Philly and then 4 more as WRs coach and assistant HC in K.C. -- 3 years as WRs coach in Pittsburgh and 2 years coaching WRs for Tampa Bay. Culley has yet to be a full-on OC at any stop and has coached across multiple regimes, so it might be tough to nail down his scheme. The most important fantasy issue, though, will be whether he can win over Houston QB Deshaun Watson. We'll be watching this situation over the next couple of months.

Update: Culley will retain OC Tim Kelly, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Kelly has spent the past 2 seasons in that role.

The Texans have fired HC/GM Bill O'Brien, according to multiple reports. Romeo Crennel will serve as the interim coach, while OC Tim Kelly should reclaim play-calling duties. We'll see if this changes anything for the offense going forward, but shedding O'Brien doesn't seem like it can hurt QB Deshaun Watson and crew.

Texans CBs Gareon Conley (hip) and Bradley Roby (hamstring) are active for today's game against the Broncos. So is OLB Brennan Scarlett (shoulder), who missed last Sunday's win over the Patriots. It's an upside matchup for Scarlett, who produced well in the 3 games before he sat out.