Why Texans players still use smelling salts

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Today's starting lineup

The NFL tried to ban the use of smelling salts this season. But eventually just banned teams from providing them and allowed players to keep using them if they got them on their own. Nearly three-fourths of Texans players say they use smelling salts. Jonathan M. Alexander looks at why, the benefits and who has to go buy them.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning’s headlines.

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre (5) keeps an eye on Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) at NRG in Houston on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. Houston Texans won the game 23-21.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

Why Texans players love smelling salts despite NFL ban on team providing them

The NFL doesn't allow teams to provide smelling salts to players, who are still able to use on their own. The Texans make the rookies buy them.

Teaching moment: In his one season with Texans, Stefon Diggs saw how good Houston's secondary could be and gave young players tips on how to improve. Read More
Options: The Texans have won twice this season when Nico Collins has been out thanks to Jayden Higgins, Christian Kirk and Dalton Schultz. Read More
Snow day: If it snows during Houston's game at New England on Sunday, Texans are ready because it's 'playoff football.' Read More
Injury report: Nico Collins, who remains out, must complete two symptom-free practices to be cleared from the concussion protocol. Read More

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) struggles to get a shot up around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) at the Toyota Center in Houston on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

Rockets not reading too much into 20-point loss to Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant doesn't want to read too much into a January loss for the Rockets to the OKC Thunder: “If we had won this game, do we celebrate it? So we try to look at it that way.”

Thunder 111, Rockets 91: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held to 11 points below his season average, but the Rockets had a tough shooting night in a loss to the defending champs. Read More
Special night: "It’s who I am, my background and everything I’m about and proud of," coach Ime Udoka said of his heritage on the Rockets' Nigerian Heritage Night. Read More

Astros / MLB

Chicago Cubs right fielder and former Astros player Kyle Tucker is seen before an MLB baseball game in Houston, Friday, June 27, 2025.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Former Astro Kyle Tucker cashes in — with the Dodgers — for $240 million

Former Astro Kyle Tucker agrees to a $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, one season after Houston traded him to the Chicago Cubs.

International look: The Astros had a $5.44 million to spend on international signings for this period and focused on infield talent. Read More

College Basketball / Men

Texas Southern Tigers forward Oumar Koureissi (3) drives to the basket as Georgia Bulldogs forward Justin Abson (25) defends during the college basketball game between the Texas Southern Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs on November 10, 2024, at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, GA.

Photo by: Icon Sportswire, Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images

College point-shaving scheme hits home

Texas Southern University's Oumar Koureissi, who played in a game Saturday, is alleged to have shaved points with a teammate at Nicholls State in 2024.