Report: Texans expected to rest several starters in their game vs. the Titans

As it turns out, Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien might have just been saying all the right things to try and deceive the Tennessee Titans, and thwart their preparation for their Week 17 matchup. After all, O’Brien said the Texans will play their starters and will play to win.

Even though the game means essentially nothing.

According to Aaron Wilson, the Texans are expected to rest several starts today during their Week 17 showdown with the Titans.

The list of players reportedly being rested are:

QB Deshaun Watson
OT Laremy Tunsil
CB Bradley Roby
WR DeAndre Hopkins

This is disheartening news for Pittsburgh Steelers fans, who need the Texans to beat the Titans if they want a shot at the playoffs. And while AJ McCarron has proven he can win football games in the NFL, it doesn’t strike a ton of confidence in the hearts of Steelers Nation.

All week Steelers fans had been hanging their hat on O’Brien’s words, and now it seems as though he was just blowing smoke. I can’t say I blame him for his decision, I would probably do the same thing considering they are preparing for a Wild Card game next weekend.

With the Houston vs. Tennessee game not slated to start until 4:25 p.m. ET, the same time as the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, we won’t know their official inactive list until 1.5 hours before kickoff. We will have all that news for you right here on BTSC.

UPDATE:

It seems as if Watson and Hopkins will dress for the game, but aren’t likely to play unless called upon.