The Houston Texans played against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium last Saturday and lost 19-27. With the loss over the Chiefs, the Texans drop to 9-6 but remain in fourth place in the AFC Playoff Picture. Houston, hoping to snap their one-game skid, will host the 10-5 Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium at 3:30 P.M. CT. on Christmas Day.

The Houston Texans veteran DB suffered an injury before the half

Texans’ veteran safety/nickel cornerback Jimmie Ward suffered an apparent foot injury before halftime after attempting to tackle a Chiefs player and landing awkwardly on his foot. The medical staff carted him off the field and into the locker room for further examination. Ward, who has since taken over in the slot with Jalen Pitre out for the season, did not return for the rest of the game.

The Houston Texans announced devastating news

During Monday’s press conference, head coach DeMeco Ryans announced that Jimmie Ward suffered a mid-foot sprain. Ryans also went on to say that he will require surgery to repair his foot, which will cause him to miss the rest of the season and soon be placed on injured reserve. The coach described his injury as “tough news.” Here’s what he had to say about the subject matter:

Who replaces him in the slot?

The Texans essentially have two options for replacing Jimmie Ward in the slot. The first option is Myles Bryant, who initially filled in for Ward on Saturday but was later replaced. The second option is moving Kamari Lassiter into the slot and inserting Jeff Okudah on the opposite side of Derek Stingley Jr. After giving Bryant the first crack, the team decided to roll with Lassiter in the slot and Okudah on the outside for the remainder of the game.