Shaquill Griffin set to start for Texans after CB Derek Stingley Jr. injury

Cornerback Shaquill Griffin is expected to be in the starting lineup Sunday against his former team, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston.

The Houston Texans are likely to turn to Griffin against the Jacksonville Jaguars after second-year cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. reportedly suffered a serious enough hamstring injury in Wednesday practice that the team is considering the injured reserve.

Griffin, 28, began his career with the Seattle Seahawks and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2019. When he became a free agent in 2021, the Jaguars signed the cornerback to a three-year, $44.5 million deal.

After a relatively strong first year in Jacksonville, Griffin was a liability in coverage in 2022. Opposing quarterbacks had a 125.0 passer rating when targeting Griffin through the first five weeks of the year before he landed on injured reserve with a back injury. After the season, the Jaguars released the cornerback to clear more than $13 million in salary cap space.

Stingley, 22, was the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft and has been off to a good start in his second season. Through the first two games, Stingley was credited by PFF with allowing only two receptions on four targets, although that included a 43-yard gain for Indianapolis Colts tight end Will Mallory.

The Texans are expected to start 30-year-old veteran cornerback Steven Nelson on the other side.