Reed Blankenship

The Texans will be without Blankenship this week, but they get Jalen Pitre (shoulder) back. The Texans’ defense has underperformed this year, as has the Chargers’ offense. Perhaps one of the units can facilitate a get-right outing for the other.

Blankenship has been dealing with a concussion since Week 6 and still has it listed as an injury designation nearly three weeks later. He is also listed with a hand injury. Blankenship will need to progress through concussion protocol to have a chance at playing in Week 9; he is on the wrong side of questionable for now.

Blankenship suffered the concussion near the end of the first half and was carted off with a towel over his head. MJ Stewart took over at safety for a suddenly-ordinary Texans defense.

Blankenship made the Eagles’ roster as a UDFA in 2022. He served as a backup during his rookie season before earning a starting role in 2023. Blankenship never gave up that job and went on to start 46 reglar season games plus five postseason contests during his time in Philly. Blankenship broke up four passes and intercepted one in 2025. He will slot into a starting role on an elite Houston defense this year.

Blankenship was ruled out at the end of the third quarter after heading to the locker room with the brain injury. The veteran safety signed a one-year extension in the offseason and has been giving the Eagles their money’s worth and then some. He has three interceptions, five pass breakups, and a fumble recovery this year.