STEVEN SIMS NEWS

Healthy scratch again Week 12 Sims (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's clash against the Titans.

Impact Sims was also a healthy scratch last week against Dallas. The veteran wideout has served as receiver depth while working primarily on special teams through much of the campaign, but the Texans have less need for his role with Nico Collins in his second week back from a stint on injured reserve. Even during the five weeks Collins was out, Sims logged just eight offensive snaps over three contests.

NOVEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Special teams contributor in loss Sims returned three punts for 43 yards in Sunday's 26-23 loss to Detroit in Week 10.

Impact Sims served as Houston's primary return specialist for the second consecutive week, although he never had a chance to return a kickoff. He played two snaps as a receiver and has lined up on offense just 10 times in 2024. With Nico Collins (IR, hamstring) on the verge of returning, likely in Week 11, Sims' spot on the gameday roster may be in jeopardy.

NOVEMBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Main returner in loss Sims returned four kickoffs for 106 yards and one punt for zero yards in Thursday's 21-13 loss to the Jets in Week 9.

Impact Sims was the main returner for the night, as Houston was without Dameon Pierce (groin) and didn't want to expose Robert Woods in a game where the team's top two wideouts were not available. Sims played just six snaps on offense and has not yet been targeted in 2024.

NOVEMBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Week 8 Sims (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Colts.

Impact Sims wasn't able to play in Week 7 due to a back injury. He returned to practice this week and was able to participate without restrictions, but he will remain on the sidelines as a healthy scratch for Sunday's contest. Smith's next chance at suiting up will be Thursday night against the Jets.

OCTOBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Logs full practice Thursday Sims (back) was a full practice participant Thursday.

Impact Sims was unable to play in Week 7 against the Packers due to a back injury. He was held out of practice Wednesday, but he was able to practice without restrictions Thursday. Unless he suffers a setback, Sims should be good to go for Sunday's AFC South clash against Indianapolis. Sims has logged 89 kick-return yards and 56 punt-return yards across five regular-season games this year.

OCTOBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Opens week as DNP Sims (back) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday's injury report.

Impact Sims suffered a back injury in the leadup to the Texans' Week 7 game against the Packers, which was severe enough for him to be sidelined. He'll have two more chances to practice in some capacity this week ahead of Houston's Week 8 AFC South clash against Indianapolis on Sunday.

OCTOBER 23 • ROTOWIRE

Passing problems cause Texans to waste an impressive performance from their injury-riddled defense

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OCTOBER 20 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Won't travel to Green Bay Sims (back) has been downgraded from questionable to out ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers.

Impact Sims was a late addition to the Texans' injury report Friday due to a back issue. While he was initially listed as questionable, the injury is severe enough that Sims will not travel with the team to Green Bay, and his next chance at suiting up will be Week 8 against the Colts on Oct. 27. With Robert Woods (foot) also not playing Sunday, Dameon Pierce and Tank Dell are the likely candidates to serve kickoff and punt-return duties, respectively.

OCTOBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with back issue Sims (back) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Packers.

Impact Sims popped up on the Texans' injury report Friday as a non-participant in practice due to a back issue, which has put his availability for Week 7 in question. If the Kansas product is unable to play through injury Sunday, expect John Metchie to see increased work in Houston's wide receiver corps.

OCTOBER 18 • ROTOWIRE

Healthy scratch Sims (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Bills.

Impact Sims had been operating as the Texans' return man but may have lost the job after a muffed punt last Sunday against the Jaguars. He finished the Week 4 matchup in the role, but he clearly won't handle it in Week 5. Tank Dell and Robert Woods are the most likely candidates to take over return duties for Houston.

OCTOBER 6 • ROTOWIRE

Healthy scratch Sims (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Bills.

Impact Sims had been operating as the Texans' return man but may have lost the job after a muffed punt last Sunday against the Jaguars. He finished the Week 4 matchup in the role, but he clearly won't handle it in Week 5. Tank Dell and Robert Woods are the most likely candidates to take over return duties for Houston.

OCTOBER 6 • ROTOWIRE

Muffed punt leads to points Sims was untargeted over two snaps, returned two punts for 10 yards and muffed a punt in Sunday's 24-20 win over Jacksonville.

Impact After the Jaguars' initial drive of the game stalled, Sims muffed a punt, putting the visitors in business at Houston's two-yard line. From there, Trevor Lawrence found rookie Brian Thomas in the end zone for an early 7-0 lead. Sims has operated as the Texans' primary returner of punts and also handles kickoffs as well. That he was back returning kicks following the miscue suggests his return role in still intact. Sims also played on offense for first time in four games, as Houston was without Tank Dell (chest).

SEPTEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Makes 53-man roster Sims made the Texans initial 53-man roster, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Houston reports.

Impact Sims was one of seven wide receivers to claim a roster spot, and his threat as a return specialist is the main reason. Sims, who returned a punt 67 yards for a touchdown during last season's playoff loss to the Ravens, averaged 12.3 yards on four punt returns and 23.7 yards on three kick returns last season for Houston.

AUGUST 28 • ROTOWIRE

Steven Sims debuts NFL's new kickoff return rules in HOF Game vs. Bears Houston Texans wide receiver Steven Sims debuts NFL's new kickoff return rules in Hall of Fame Game vs. the Chicago Bears

AUGUST 2 • NFL.COM

First two kickoff under NFL's new rules are both returned to the 26

The first two kickoffs under the NFL’s radical new rule were both returned a yard farther than the old touchback

AUGUST 1 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Texans Tie Ravens in Divisional Round on Steven Sims' Electric 67-Yard Punt Return The Houston Texans finally found a spark late in the first half against the Baltimore Ravens.

JANUARY 20 • SACBEE.COM

Texans Tie Ravens in Divisional Round on Steven Sims' Electric 67-Yard Punt Return The Houston Texans finally found a spark late in the first half against the Baltimore Ravens.

JANUARY 20 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Steven Sims Jr. high-steps into endzone after 67-yard punt return touchdown | AFC Divisional Round Sims records first career punt return for a TD

JANUARY 20 • HOUSTONTEXANS.COM

Can't-Miss Play: Steven Sims showcases speed, power en route to 67-yard punt return TD Houston Texans wide receiver and punt returner Steven Sims showcases his speed and power en route to a 67-yard punt return touchdown against...

JANUARY 20 • NFL.COM

Elevated for Week 15 The Texans elevated Sims from the practice squad Saturday.

Impact This is Sims' first elevation since Week 12, but it's his third overall this season, meaning Houston will need to sign him to the active roster in order for him to suit up for the team after Week 15. In his two contests so far this season, the fifth-year wideout has tallied two catches on two targets for 25 yards. Sims could see more opportunity than usual Sunday if Nico Collins (calf) and/or Noah Brown (knee) aren't able to suit up.

DECEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Promoted from practice squad The Texans elevated Sims to the active roster Saturday.

Impact This is the second time this season that Sims has been elevated. He was active in Week 11 against the Cardinals when he caught both of his targets for 25 yards while returning two punts for 16 yards. Sims will provide wide receiver depth with Noah Brown (knee) ruled out for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Jaguars.

NOVEMBER 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Reverts to practice squad Sims reverted to Houston's practice squad Monday.

Impact Sims saw time on both offense and special teams during Sunday's win versus the Cardinals and caught both of his targets for 25 yards, in addition to returning to punts for 16 yards. The 26-year-old could get another opportunity to be called up for the team's upcoming matchup against the Jaguars, as Noah Brown is still dealing with a knee injury.

NOVEMBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Elevated for Sunday The Texans elevated Sims to their active roster Saturday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact With Noah Brown (knee) listed as questionable for Sunday's contest, Sims was likely added to Houston's active roster to ensure depth at wide receiver. The 26-year-old wideout most recently played with the Steelers in 2022, recording 14 catches for 104 yards in 12 appearances.

NOVEMBER 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

'Must See' Steven Sims, Jr. talks 2023 Texans offense | Drew's Dozen Houston Texans WR Steven Sims, Jr. is back in his hometown playing football, and the versatile playmaker went 1-on-1 with Drew Dougherty of...

AUGUST 7, 2023 • HOUSTONTEXANS.COM

Texans Sign Ex Steelers WR, Houston Native Steven Sims to Deal By signing Steven Sims, the Houston Texans add a versatile depth piece that can make an impact both as a receiver and returner.

MARCH 24, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM