Is it fair to let the Texans practice if the Vikings aren’t?

The Houston Texans take on the Minnesota Vikings Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT at NRG Stadium, and the home side may be getting a little more than homefield advantage with 13,300 fans in attendance.

Because the Vikings played the Tennessee Titans, who had three players and five non-player personnel test positive for COVID-19, Minnesota has had to work virtually and suspend in-person club activities until further notice. While there has not been any word on the Vikings canceling practice, as the Titans have through Saturday, the fact is Minnesota’s game prep has been paused as far as the in-person activities are concerned.

If the Vikings can’t practice, will that create a competitive advantage for the Texans, who can?

If the Vikings have to cancel Wednesday’s practice at a minimum, how much of a disadvantage does that create for the visiting team when Houston gets to have their full complement of three practices ahead of the game?

Of course the nature of the NFL’s 16-game schedule, where every contest is proportional to a playoff game, creates its own anxiety. However, there is added tension considering both squads are 0-3 and desperately need that first win. Taking another loss at this point could be a morale killer.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans are still operating with their normal game week schedule. Players are off on Tuesday, but the first practice is still scheduled for Wednesday.