It was a tough night for the Houston Texans, as they not only fell to the Detroit Lions 27-23 but also lost two of their top defensive players to injuries in the process.
Kamari Lassiter Ruled Out With Concussion
After taking an inadvertent hit from teammate Jimmie Ward in the second half, Texans rookie standout cornerback Kamari Lassiter sustained a concussion on Sunday night. Prior to the game, Lassiter, a second-round draft pick from Georgia, had been playing exceptionally well, recording 28 tackles and three interceptions.
Lassiter picked off Lions quarterback Jared Goff twice before going down with the injury. The Texans immediately took him to the medical tent for evaluation before heading to the locker room. With Lassiter sidelined, the Texans had to turn to backup cornerback Ka’Dar Hollman to try and slow down the Lions’ passing attack.
“Kamari has been a huge part of our defense this season, so losing him is a big blow,” said Texans head coach Lovie Smith. “We’ll have to evaluate him further, but our main concern right now is making sure he recovers fully from the concussion.”
Defensive Tackle Foley Fatukasi Is Also Ruled Out
The Texans also lost starting defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi to a foot injury in the game. The Texans ruled out Fatukasi, a free agent acquisition in the offseason, for the remainder of the contest. Before leaving the game, Fatukasi made two tackles, and his absence was noticeable as the Lions’ offensive line gained more running room in the second half.
Fatukasi’s absence will test the depth of the Texans’ defensive line. “Foley has been a rock for us up front, so losing him hurts,” Smith said. The severity of his injury and how long he’ll be out will be determined.
Tunsil Battles Through Ankle Issues
Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil also dealt with an injury, as he aggravated his nagging ankle problem during the game. However, after receiving evaluation on the sidelines, Tunsil was able to return to the field.
Tunsil’s ability to gut it out and continue playing was a positive sign for the Texans’ offense, which has relied heavily on his consistent play to protect young quarterback C.J. Stroud. “Laremy is as tough as they come,” Smith said. “He’s been dealing with that ankle for a while, but he wasn’t going to let it keep him off the field tonight.”
Lions Tight End LaPorta Was Also Injured
The Lions also lost tight end Sam LaPorta to a shoulder injury in the third quarter, adding to the Texans’ injuries. The team ruled LaPorta, who had three catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, questionable to return. The Lions’ offense stalled without LaPorta’s top pass-catching threat at tight end.
“Anytime you lose a key player like Sam, it’s going to hurt,” said Lions head coach Dan Campbell. He’ll have to see the extent of his injury and hope to play soon. Despite the numerous injuries on both sides, the game remained tight throughout, with the Lions ultimately prevailing 27-23 in a back-and-forth affair.
The Texans will now have to regroup and find a way to overcome the losses of Lassiter and Fatukasi as they prepare to face their next opponent. Smith and his staff will be closely monitoring the injured players’ progress in the coming days and weeks.
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