Rankins had two tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown in Monday's 30-6 wild-card playoff round win over Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Houston's defense played a significant role in the win, and Rankins was involved in the key play of the contest early in the fourth quarter. He and Will Anderson collapsed the pocket and sacked Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who fumbled. As the ball lay on the ground under several bodies, Rankins scooped it and ran 33 yards for a touchdown that gave the visitors a 17-6 lead. The way the Texans' defense played, the two-score lead was plenty. Rankins, who plays on the interior of the defensive line, was an unheralded part of the defense during the regular season but did contribute 35 tackles (15 solo) and 3.0 sacks over 17 contests.

Rankins (elbow) was a full participant in Friday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Rankins was able to upgrade to a full participant Friday after being limited in Thursday's session. The defensive tackle is all set to suit up for Monday night's wild-card clash with the Steelers. Rankins was able to play through his elbow issue against the Colts in Week 18, logging two tackles on 27 offensive snaps in the victory. The 31-year-old will likely see similar utilization in Monday night's contest.

Rankins (elbow) was limited in practice Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Rankins' elbow issue also limited him in practice Week 18, but he was able to suit up for Houston's regular-season finale and avoid an injury designation entirely. Barring any setbacks, the starting defensive tackle will work to do the same in advance of Monday's wild-card round matchup on the road against Pittsburgh.

Rankins (elbow) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Colts.

EDGE Analysis

Rankins put together a DNP/LP/FP practice log for Week 18, and the 2016 first-rounder has done enough to be cleared to play in Sunday's regular-season finale. Rankins has played at least 60 percent of the Texans' defensive snaps in 12 of 16 regular-season games and has been a key piece to Houston's interior defensive line.

Rankins (elbow) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Rankins was held out of Wednesday's practice due to an elbow issue, but he was able to return Thursday in a limited capacity. He would likely avoid an injury designation for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Colts if he were to practice in full Friday. Rankins has accumulated 25 tackles (10 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and one fumble recovery in the 11 games since the Texans' Week 6 bye.

Rankins (elbow) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Rankins may have picked up the injury during the Texans' win over the Chargers in Week 17, when he logged 0.5 sacks. The veteran defensive tackle will have two more chances to practice in at least a limited capacity ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Colts.

Rankins (knee) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders.

EDGE Analysis

Rankins was able to upgrade to a full participant in Friday's practice after being limited Thursday and missing Wednesday. The upgrade in participation was enough to clear the defensive tackle of any injury designation going into Sunday's contest, and he should be set to suit up. With Tim Settle (foot) on IR since Dec. 4, Rankins has joined Will Anderson, Tommy Togiai, and Danielle Hunter as a defensive line starter for the current best defense in the NFL by points per game.

Rankins (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Rankin sat out practice Wednesday, but he's making progress with his knee issue. If the veteran defensive lineman can upgrade to full practice reps Friday, he'll have a solid chance to avoid an injury designation entirely for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Rankins (knee) did not participate at practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Rankins played a healthy share of defensive snaps (41) in Week 15 versus the Cardinals, but it seems like he might have hurt his knee somewhere along the way. He'll probably have to return to practice Thursday or Friday to have any chance of suiting up in Week 16 versus the Raiders.

Rankins (elbow/shoulder) was a full participant in practice Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Rankins did not practice to open the week Wednesday, but was a full participant Thursday and is ready to go against the Cardinals in Week 15. The 31-year old has 28 tackles (13 solo) and 2.5 sacks through 13 games this season. The veteran defensive tackle will start alongside Mario Edwards on Sunday.