The Houston Texans will travel to London for their Week 6 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars without David Montgomery, Tank Dell, and Jalen Pitre, the franchise announced on Thursday, Oct. 15. The franchise announced the three players would not make the trip to England, officially ruling them out for Sunday’s game at Wembley Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18, at 3:30 p.m. French metropolitan time, which is 14:30 in London. The game arrives as the Texans attempt to build on their first victory of the season, a 26-3 win over the Tennessee Titans that left Houston with a 1-4 record in the AFC South.
Backfield Redistribution After David Montgomery Injury
David Montgomery will miss the London contest due to a groin injury sustained during the victory against Tennessee. The running back did not participate in Wednesday or Thursday practices ahead of the team’s official announcement.
Texans' Tank Dell, David Montgomery, Jalen Pitre will not travel to London to play Jaguars. https://t.co/S9LVTZkYse
Montgomery’s absence is expected to funnel additional carries to Woody Marks, who handled heavy duties against Tennessee. Marks recorded 15 rushes for 62 yards alongside four receptions for 23 yards in that contest, bringing his season totals to 149 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Houston must now adjust its ground attack to compensate for the missing production normally shared with Montgomery.
Tank Dell Continues Knee Injury Recovery
Tank Dell’s status stems from a longer recovery rather than an in-game setback. The wide receiver has been sidelined from regular-season games since December 2024 due to a severe knee injury.
Dell returned to practice the previous week and appeared as a full participant on the Texans’ official injury report for Wednesday and Thursday. Despite this progression, the club confirmed the receiver will not travel to London, leaving his exact return date unannounced.
Jalen Pitre Shoulder Injury Forces Defensive Shifts
On the defensive side of the ball, Houston will play without Jalen Pitre, who sustained a shoulder injury against Tennessee. Pitre missed the first two practices of the week alongside Montgomery.
Titulaire lors des cinq premiers matchs, Pitre has recorded 24 tackles and five defended passes this season. His absence requires defensive adjustments for a unit that recently held Tennessee to three points.
Standings Context and Jaguar Momentum
The Texans enter the international fixture at 1-4 following their initial four losses and subsequent rebound against the Titans. Jacksonville holds a 4-1 record and enters the matchup following a 19-17 victory over Philadelphia at Wembley Stadium, marking the Jaguars’ second game in London.
While Montgomery and Pitre were sidelined by injuries picked up against Tennessee, Dell remains in a separate rehabilitation track. The game will air via the NFL Game Pass on DAZN.
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