Texans Laremy Tunsil returns to practice but Will Anderson Jr., Jonathan Greenard, Maliek Collins, Noah Brown sidelined

HOUSTON – Texans Pro Bowl left offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil returned to practice from a minor groin injury that cut short his game last Sunday.

As Tunsil returned to practice, several players remained sidelined Wednesday.

Several of those injured players may play Saturday night in a pivotal AFC South showdown against the Indianapolis Colts. A victory at Lucas Oil Stadium would assure the 9-7 Texans of qualifying for the playoffs.

Not practicing during the portion open to reporters: defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (high-ankle sprain), fullback Andrew Beck (calf), wide receiver Noah Brown (back injury, transverse process fracture), defensive tackle Maliek Collins (hip), defensive end Jonathan Greenard (ankle), defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (ankle) and wide receiver Robert Woods (hip).

Anderson returned to play a dozen snaps against the Tennessee Titans, recording two sacks to set a franchise single-season rookie record of seven sacks.

Beck is at practice and making progress after injuring his calf running a route last Friday and missed the Tennessee game.

Brown is not expected to play, according to league sources.

Collins’ core-abdominal injury is painful and could prevent him from playing Saturday.

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Greenard, who leads the Texans with a career-high 12 1/2 sacks, has made progress since injuring his ankle against the Cleveland Browns and it isn’t regarded as a long-term recovery. His status is still being determined.

Rankins returned a fumble for a touchdown against Tennessee and is expected to play.

Woods was at practice, but not participating and other players stood in for him on punt returns.

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.