DeMeco Ryans Announces Reed Blankenship Injury Status After Houston Texans’ Win

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the media about Reed Blankenship’s injury.© X/@TheTexansWire

The Houston Texans finally had a reason to celebrate after Ka'imi Fairbairn's last-second field goal sealed a 34-31 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. But the victory also came with concerns for a defense that had struggled to meet expectations this season. Safety Reed Blankenship left the game with a concussion, and coach DeMeco Ryans gave an update on his condition ahead of Sunday's matchup against the New York Giants. Another starting safety, Jalen Pitre, also remained uncertain to return as Houston prepared for Week 7.

DeMeco Ryans Gives Update on Reed Blankenship's Injury

Blankenship had to clear the NFL's concussion protocol when Ryans spoke to reporters on Tuesday, October 21. The safety suffered the injury in the second quarter against Jacksonville while attempting to tackle running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. He could not return to the game, leaving Houston to prepare for its next matchup without knowing whether he would be available.

“Reed is still in the concussion protocol,” Ryans said.

The coach addressed Pitre, who missed the London game with a shoulder injury. His recovery had shown some progress, but Houston had not set a return date.

“Jalen is still week to week with his shoulder injury. He's getting better. He's feeling better. We'll see, you know, how the week continues to progress,” Ryans told reporters.

“Seven key Texans players did not practice Wednesday as they began preparations for Sunday's game against the Giants. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), safety Reed Blankenship (concussion/hand), offensive tackle Trent Brown (wrist), offensive tackle Blake Fisher (thumb), running back David Montgomery (groin), safety Jalen Pitre (shoulder) and tight end Dalton Schultz (quad) spent the day rehabbing,' Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk wrote.

Texans Face More Injury Concerns Before Giants Game

When the Houston defense wasn't performing very well, Blankenship was injured. He was drawing criticism for not providing the upgrade the team hoped he would be, especially in the secondary unit.

SportsTalk 790's Adam Clanton criticized the safety after the Jaguars game, while The Athletic's Daniel Popper had pointed to problems across Houston's defensive backfield. Popper noted that the Texans had struggled to prevent explosive passing plays, with Blankenship among the players who had failed to meet expectations.

The criticism wasn't limited to his coverage numbers. HTX Sports' Clayton Anderson questioned whether Houston should reconsider Blankenship's role if the secondary performed better without him.Then again, the team's defensive struggles are not limited to one player. Pitre's absence also left Houston without another starter, and his shoulder injury had become a recurring concern.

The Texans now faced the New York Giants on Sunday, with a hope of a London victory. Where Blankenship's availability was not unresolved, while Tank Dell was expected to return after nearly two years away from a serious knee injury.