Key Texans Starters Ruled Out Ahead Of Browns Matchup

Massive Defensive Blows for Houston

The Houston Texans are traveling to take on the Cleveland Browns this Sunday without several key starters. The defensive unit has taken a major hit, missing two prominent leaders ahead of this away fixture.

All Pro defensive end Danielle Hunter has been ruled out because of a hamstring injury. Hunter has been a key force up front, recording four sacks so far this season. That sack tally puts him in a tie for second place on the team.

Joining Hunter on the sidelines is Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who is dealing with a groin problem. Al-Shaair leads the Texans with 68 tackles this season while wearing the green dot to signal defensive calls. This groin issue has troubled him for a while, dating back to Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. It previously forced him to sit out the Week 4 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Key Offensive Players Out of Action

The offensive side of the ball also features major missing pieces for Houston. On Saturday, running back David Montgomery was officially added to the list of players ruled out for Sunday's game.

Montgomery hurt his groin during a game against the Tennessee Titans and has not appeared in a match since Week 5. He did manage to participate in practice sessions this week, which shows some progress in his recovery, but he is not ready to return to live play yet.

Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will also miss the upcoming game due to a hamstring injury. Harrison Jr., who was recently acquired by the team, has built up six receptions for 60 yards and scored one touchdown over his first three appearances in Houston.

Lineup Adjustments for Sunday

In addition to those stars, the Texans will be without rookie guard Keylan Rutledge. Rutledge has been ruled out of the contest with a shoulder injury.

With top performers sidelined across the field, Houston will need their squad players to step up against Cleveland. Missing key contributors on both offense and defense makes this trip a major hurdle for the team as they prepare for Sunday.