Texans finally activate former first round picks for huge MNF game vs cowboys

The Houston Texans have finally activated cornerback Jeff Okudah from injured reserve and will have him ready to play against the Dallas Cowboys tonight in Week 11, according to 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 regarded as the year’s most promising young cornerback. He had played three seasons at Ohio State, where he earned unanimous All-American honors and was recognized as one of the best 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, the 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 themselves 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 suffering a hip injury against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1.

That looks set to change when the Texans face the Cowboys tonight Monday night football. Both teams are eager to bounce back in Week 11, where the Texans have dropped their last two games and the Cowboys have lost their last four.

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After 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 blip and not a sign of things to come.

The Texans have also dealt with key injuries, particularly at wide receiver, but Nico Collins is back and ready to assume a prominent role on offense. If Okudah manages to get on the field this time, he could potentially be a huge boost to the team’s defensive line.

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