Steelers Now
Houston Texans star cornerback Kamari Lassiter (knee, ankle) did not practice on Thursday. His status for Monday night’s AFC Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers will be something to monitor throughout the week.
Left guard Tytus Howard (ankle, rest), defensive end Denico Autry (knee) and running back Jawhar Jordan (high-ankle sprain) also did not practice on Thursday.
Lassiter has four interceptions this season. Houston will manage his knee, ankle injuries this week to get him ready for Monday night.
Lassiter affirmed he is going to play against the Steelers, however. He added he didn’t even need the rest in the Week 18 game against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.
“It was for the best to save him for the playoffs and we know what he’s going to bring to the table this week,” Texans safety Calen Bullock said of Lassiter.
Lassiter was initially injured in the first quarter of the Texans’ Week 17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He eventually returned to the contest.
Kamari Lassiter, expected back for #Steelers game, not practicing today during portion open to media @KPRC2 https://t.co/7ceE7vXOkW pic.twitter.com/UDUtIz3ZQ8
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 8, 2026
All-Pro Derek Stingley and Lassiter are one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL. Steelers head coach gave the duo high praise during his appearance on The Rich Eisen Show and in his weekly Tuesday press conference.
The Texans also have a lethal edge rusher tandem in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Tomlin knows his offensive unit will have their hands full with the Texans defense.
“That edge rush tandem and that cornerback tandem are both special,” Tomlin told Eisen. “You see why they’re number 1 in the league in defense. There’s no secret why they’re kicking a lot of butt.”
Steelers veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen said ‘there’s not a lot of weakness’ in Houston’s secondary.
“One thing you notice is not only are they athletic and physical, but they’re really smart. They mesh really well with each other,” Thielen said.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Texans Star CB Misses Practice, Status vs. Steelers TBD
