Tyler Warren injury: What status means for Week 13 vs. Texans

The Indianapolis Colts head to Houston to take on the Texans as 3.5-point favorites. The Texans will get QB CJ Stroud back from his brain injury, while the Colts QB Daniel Jones will play through a micro-fracture in his leg. Indianapolis will also hope rookie tight end Tyler Warren, who is questionable, can play through an illness.

Warren was able to practice this week, but eventually was listed as questionable due to an illness. Players usually play through illness or at least try to, so it would be more of a surprise to see him sit than start this week.

If Warren can go, he and his teammates get a tough matchup against the Texans top defense. The good news is that I’d expect Warren to see plenty of work as Daniel Jones tries to get rid of the ball early against a tough pass rush. Houston is also excellent against outside receivers, which would hopefully funnel work Warren’s way as well. Its still a tough matchup, but Warrren remains a good start.

If Warren can’t go, I’d give Josh Downs a bump as the main slot receiver. Like Warren, he works over the middle and closer to the line of scrimmage and could take advantage of the Texans’ strengths.