DeMeco Ryans on Will Anderson Jr.: ‘I’m probably going to have to sit him out’

The Houston Texans have wrapped up the first week of OTAs, and head coach DeMeco Ryans is already considering a radical strategy to keep the rest of his roster safe: benching his star defensive end. According to Ryans, Will Anderson has been so dominant during team drills that he is becoming a liability to the flow of practice.

Wrecking the Field

"Will continues to wreck practice," Ryans said following Thursday’s session. "I’m probably going to have to sit him out here soon because we have to be able to actually practice. He just keeps wrecking practice. So just keep doing that, keep causing havoc. That’s what he does."

Ryans noted that Anderson's intensity serves as the benchmark for the entire squad. "I was showing guys that’s what he does on Sundays as well. So it’s no surprise Will is the guy for everyone to watch for the intensity at which we operate. That’s how Will Anderson plays. That’s how I want everybody to be."

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A Growing Legacy

Anderson, the only two-time unanimous All-American in Alabama history, enters his fourth NFL season after being selected third overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Coming off a 2025 campaign that saw him earn Pro Bowl honors, a spot on the AP All-Pro team, and a selection to the PFWA All-NFL team, Anderson solidified his status as an elite force by finishing as the runner-up for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Following the massive $150 million contract extension signed in April—the highest annual value for a non-quarterback in league history—Ryans believes there is still room for the defensive standout to improve.

Leadership and Technical Growth

"There is definitely more for Will on the field," Ryans said. "He’s always fine-tuning his craft. He’s working extra as always with defensive-line coach Rod Wright and assistant coach Frank Okam before practice, working on the small intricacies of hand placement."

Beyond the technical improvements, Ryans has been particularly impressed by Anderson’s evolution as a vocal presence in the locker room. "Where I’ve seen him take another step this year is just his leadership of being vocal. He has no issue bringing the team up, letting everybody know, ‘Hey, this wasn’t a good day. Let’s pick it up.’ That’s where I’ve seen his growth already happen this year."

A Competitive Culture

The Texans have two weeks of OTAs remaining before the summer break. With the team having secured 32 regular-season victories and consecutive playoff appearances since the arrival of Ryans and Anderson, the mood in Houston is noticeably elevated.

Reflecting on the competitive environment, Ryans noted, "It’s very impressive to see just the back-and-forth nature of our team. To see guys barking at each other, see the competitiveness of our team. We have a great competitive spirit, great competitive fire on all sides of the ball. That makes me proud as a coach."