No Timeline on Texans Cornerback's Return

The Houston Texans may have to wait to see their promising young rookie back on the field. Head coach Lovie Smith refused to put a timeline on cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.'s return from a mild hamstring injury but expressed hope it would be "sooner rather than later."

Derek Stingley Jr. is dealing with a "mild hamstring injury" that kept him out vs. WAS. Lovie Smith says DBs Steven Nelson, Desmond King did well with Stingley out. No word on his status for his return. Smith: "Hopefully sooner rather than later." #Texans

— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) November 21, 2022

Stingley missed Week 11's 23-10 loss to the Washington Commanders after suffering the hamstring injury during a 24-16 loss to the New York Giants in Week 10. He practiced in a limited fashion on Wednesday but was unable to go for the remainder of the week.

The Texans drafted Stingley third-overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the rookie cornerback has thoroughly delivered on the promise he showed at LSU. Stingley has broken up nine passes and allowed a 79.8 passer rating on throws in his direction through nine games of the regular season.

At 1-7-1, the Texans' season is all but certainly lost. Though it may benefit Stingley to play more snaps in order to develop his game, he's clearly proven himself enough of an asset that his health should be the team's highest priority. They'd be wise to exercise caution with him for the remainder of the season. Better not to risk his enormous long-term potential.

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