Houston, Texas – The Indianapolis Colts secured a 19‑17 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday night, snapping a nine‑game losing streak and handing the Texans their second straight 0‑3 start.
Game‑winning kick and key moments
Colts kicker Spencer Shrader, battling a groin injury, delivered four successful field goals, including a decisive 43‑yard attempt with just 16 seconds remaining. His effort capped a comeback after the Texans had taken a 17‑16 lead earlier in the fourth quarter.
Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 16 of 27 passes for 167 yards and one touchdown, but the Texans managed only 70 rushing yards on 21 carries. The offense struggled to move the ball, especially after a series of injuries to key players, including linebacker Azeez Al‑Shaair and wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson.
Colts bounce back
Indianapolis, now 1‑2, broke a nine‑game skid that had been the longest active losing streak in the NFL. The win marked the Colts’ first victory on American soil since October 26, 2025, and their first since a November 2 win in Berlin.
Quarterback Daniel Jones completed 24 of 36 attempts for 235 yards and a touchdown, though he also fumbled three times, losing two. One of those turnovers set up Houston’s late go‑ahead score.
Running back Jonathan Taylor logged 23 carries for 68 yards, while rookie wide receiver Keenan Allen recorded six receptions for 63 yards and his first touchdown with the Colts. Allen’s catch moved him past former Texans star Andre Johnson on the NFL’s career receptions list, placing him 12th all‑time with 1,068 receptions, just two shy of Colts legend Reggie Wayne.
Injuries and notable plays
Both teams dealt with injuries. Shrader, despite a groin strain announced after the opening kickoff, made all five of his kicks, including a 58‑yard effort that matched his career long. Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu left early with a chest injury but returned in the second half.
For the Texans, linebacker Azeez Al‑Shaair exited the game multiple times due to a recurring groin issue, and defensive end Mario Edwards left with a leg injury in the fourth quarter.
Controversial officiating moment
Referee Ronald Torbert inadvertently left his microphone on after a fumble reversal, delivering a profanity‑laden instruction to his crew that drew laughter from the stadium crowd. The reversal gave Houston possession, but the Colts ultimately reclaimed the ball and set up the winning field goal.
Looking ahead
Houston returns home next week to face rival Dallas, hoping to break the early‑season slump. Indianapolis will travel to London the following Sunday for a matchup against Washington.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
