QUINIX Sport News: Texans vs. Chiefs live updates: KC tries to keep good times rolling

Kansas City’s pass rush has been getting after C.J. Stroud on this drive, though he did complete a 14-yard throw to Nico Collins on 3rd-and-2.

Chris Jones gets to Stroud two plays later, sacking him for a 12-yard loss on third down. Houston will have to punt.

C.J. Stroud had an infrared heat wrap on his left knee while the Chiefs’ offense was on the field, according to ESPN’s Laura Rutledge.

The Texans’ defense holds in the red zone again with Will Anderson Jr. tackling Xavier Worthy for an 8-yard loss followed by Tommy Togiai sacking Patrick Mahomes for a 2-yard loss.

Kansas City has to settle for a field goal after getting pushed back 10 yards. Harrison Butker kicks a 36-yarder for a 6–3 lead.

The Texans forced Patrick Mahomes to throw an incomplete pass on third-and-8. But Will Anderson Jr. was called for roughing the passer on an apparent helmet-to-helmet hit.

Automatic first down for Kansas City and the ball advances to its 48-yard-line on the penalty.

There was disagreement on social media on the call, as you can imagine.

C.J. Stroud limped off the field after being tackled by George Karlaftis, perhaps with an ankle injury. He’s getting checked out on the sideline, but appears to be all right.

After a 13-yard pass from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins gave Houston a 1st-and-10 at the Chiefs’ 14-yard line, the Texans’ drive stalled.

Joe Mixon ran for no gain, followed by an incomplete pass from Stroud and a two-yard scramble.

Ka’imi Fairbairn ties the game with a 30-yard field goal.

Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie was shaken up while tackling Joe Mixon on 2nd-and-5. He came out of the game and went to the blue medical tent to get checked out.

However, McDuffie is now back in the game after missing five plays.

Houston gets an explosive play on its opening drive with C.J. Stroud hitting Dalton Schultz for a 34-yard pass. That moves the Texans to the Kansas City 35-yard line.

The Texans’ defense holds after that big kickoff return by the Chiefs. Isiah Pacheco loses a yard on his first carry, then Patrick Mahomes throws two incomplete passes.

Kansas City has to settle for a field goal and Harrison Butker kicks a 32-yarder for a 3–0 lead.

Houston won the coin toss and will defer to the second half. So the Chiefs’ offense will take the field first.

Nikko Remigio returned the kickoff 63 yards for Kansas City, but fumbled while being tackled by Kris Boyd. Samaje Perine recovered for the Chiefs.

Boyd was then flagged 15 yards for taking of his helmet, giving the Chiefs the ball at Houston’s 13-yard line. He followed that blunder up with a shove of special teams coach Frank Ross. What a start, Houston.

Lanell Lightfoot’s rendition of the national anthem before kickoff got Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones feeling his emotions.

A big storyline early on will be whether or not Patrick Mahomes is rusty after a long layoff — 23 days, to be exact.

The Chiefs and Texans played during the regular season in Week 16 and Kansas City won, 27–19.

Patrick Mahomes passed for 260 yards and one touchdown, completing 28-of-41 passes. Xavier Worthy caught seven passes for 65 yards and a score. Kareem Hunt had 11 carries for 55 yards and a TD. Mahomes also ran for a TD.

For Houston, C.J. Stroud completed 23-of-39 passes for 244 yards, two TDs and two interceptions. Tank Dell notched six receptions for 98 yards and a TD. Joe Mixon rushed for 57 yards on 14 carries.