The Houston Texans have finally activated cornerback Jeff Okudah from the injured reserve and will have him ready to play against the Dallas Cowboys tonight for Week 11, per Adam Schefter. This will be the former first-round draft pick's first game for the Texans since Week 1.
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Okudah was drafted by the Detroit Lions as the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and was widely considered the most promising young cornerback of the year. He had played three seasons at Ohio State, where he earned unanimous All-American honors and was recognized as one of the top defensive backs in college football. Known for his size, speed, and excellent coverage skills, he was expected to be a standout in the NFL.
However, his career has been plagued by injuries. He missed the 2020 season opener due to a hamstring injury sustained during training camp. Later that year, he underwent surgery for a core muscle injury on December 15, leading to his placement on injured reserve.
Things unfortunately repeated in the Lions' 2021 season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, when Okudah ruptured his Achilles tendon, ultimately ending his season and forcing him back onto injured reserve.
Okudah was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in April 2023, with the Lions receiving a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in return. In March 2024, he signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans. However, he was placed on injured reserve on September 11 after sustaining a hip injury playing the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1.
That seems likely to change when the Texans face the Cowboys tonight on Monday Night Football. Both teams are eager to bounce back in Week 11, with the Texans having dropped their last two games and the Cowboys losing their last four.
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Following an injury to quarterback Dak Prescott, the Cowboys will once again turn to Cooper Rush under center, hoping that last week's disappointing 45 passing yards was just a fluke and not a sign of what's ahead.
The Texans have also dealt with key injuries, particularly at wide receiver, but Nico Collins is back and ready to take on a prominent role in the offense. If Okudah manages to get on the field this time, he could potentially be a huge boost for the team's defensive line.
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