The Houston Texans’ Week 2 depth chart features C.J. Stroud leading the offense and stars Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter and Derek Stingley Jr. anchoring the defense as Houston prepares to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Houston will have to make several adjustments because of injuries, including the absence of wide receiver Nico Collins, offensive guard Ed Ingram and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
Here is a look at the Houston Texans depth chart heading into Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season.
Houston Texans Offensive Depth Chart for Week 2
Quarterback
Starter: C.J. Stroud
Backup: Davis Mills
C.J. Stroud remains the Texans’ unquestioned starting quarterback, with veteran Davis Mills serving as his primary backup.
Running Back
Starter: David Montgomery
Backup: Woody Marks
David Montgomery leads Houston’s backfield, with Woody Marks providing another option at running back.
Fullback
Starter: British Brooks
Wide Receiver
Nico Collins — OUT
Kayshon Boutte
Xavier Hutchinson
Jaylin Noel
Jared Wayne
The Texans face a significant change at wide receiver with Nico Collins ruled out because of a hamstring injury. Houston can turn to Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel and Jared Wayne for additional opportunities in the passing game.
Tight End
Starter: Dalton Schultz
Backups: Foster Moreau, Marlin Klein, Cade Stover
Dalton Schultz remains Houston’s top tight end and one of Stroud’s established receiving options.
Offensive Line
LT: Aireontae Ersery
LG: Keylan Rutledge
C: Evan Brown
RG: Wyatt Teller
RT: Trent Brown
Starting right guard Ed Ingram is out, putting veteran Wyatt Teller in position to step into the starting lineup.
Houston Texans Defensive Depth Chart for Week 2
Defensive End
Will Anderson Jr.
Danielle Hunter
Houston continues to feature one of the NFL’s most recognizable edge-rushing combinations with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
Jadeveon Clowney is out for Week 2 because of a knee injury, potentially creating additional opportunities for Dominique Robinson.
Defensive Tackle
Tommy Togiai
Sheldon Rankins
Houston also has Logan Hall, Mario Edwards Jr. and Jaden Crumedy available along the defensive front.
Linebacker
Jake Hansen
Azeez Al-Shaair
Jake Hansen moves into a larger role after Henry To’oTo’o was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Houston’s linebacker depth also includes Jake Hummel, Aiden Fisher, Wade Woodaz and Jamal Hill.
Cornerback
Derek Stingley Jr.
Kamari Lassiter
Stingley and Lassiter headline Houston’s secondary, while Tremon Smith and Jaylin Smith provide additional cornerback depth.
Nickel
Jalen Pitre
Strong Safety
Calen Bullock
Free Safety
Reed Blankenship
Kamari Ramsey provides additional depth at safety.
Houston Texans Special Teams Depth Chart
Kicker: Ka’imi Fairbairn
Punter/Holder: Kai Kroeger
Long Snapper: Austin Brinkman
Kick/Punt Returner: Jaylin Noel
Texans Players Out for Week 2
Houston enters its Week 2 matchup dealing with several notable absences:
- WR Nico Collins — Hamstring
- RG Ed Ingram — Out
- DE Jadeveon Clowney — Knee
- LB Henry To’oTo’o — Injured Reserve, shoulder
Collins’ absence could be particularly important for Houston’s passing attack because it removes one of C.J. Stroud’s primary receiving weapons.
When Do the Houston Texans Play in Week 2?
The Houston Texans face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in Week 2 of the NFL regular season.
Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Houston Texans
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
Week: NFL Week 2
Houston Texans Week 2 Depth Chart Summary
The Texans head into Week 2 with C.J. Stroud at quarterback, David Montgomery at running back and Dalton Schultz at tight end, but Houston will have to compensate for Nico Collins’ absence at wide receiver.
Defensively, the Texans remain led by Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Azeez Al-Shaair, Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre. Injuries to Jadeveon Clowney and Henry To’oTo’o will test Houston’s defensive depth as the Texans prepare for their Week 2 matchup against Cincinnati.