Former Steelers OL Impresses Coaches with Texans

PITTSBURGH — Kendrick Green is no longer with the Steelers after they traded him to the Texans during final cut-downs. Now, with the Texans for over a month, Green has logged two straight starts at left guard for the team following a bevy of injuries across the entire offensive line. He allowed three pressures in those games and earned a 55.3 grade from Pro Football Focus over those two starts.

On Wednesday, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryan spoke with the Pittsburgh media. He was impressed by what Green has shown him through two games so far. Guard is the more natural position for Green, and he plays in an offense that is heavily oriented to wide zone, something that he meshes with far better than any other scheme.

“Kendrick has done a really good job,” Ryans said. “I know he played center over there, but he stepped in at guard for us and he’s very athletic. That jumps off the tape, his ability to get to second level. I love his tenacity and how he tries to finish his blocks off. I’m encouraged with him. We’ve only had him for a short time but I’ve been pleased with what he’s able to bring to our offensive line in such a short time period.”

Green will start at left guard again on Sunday when the Steelers go to Houston. Texans starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil is dealing with a knee injury, while backup Josh Jones, who played at left guard before Green took over, will miss the game with a hand injury.

If Jones and Tunsil can not go, Austin Deculus, Geron Christian, and George Fant can replace them. Fant is the team’s starting right tackle and is set to face T.J. Watt, but he has experience on that left side. Christian and Deculus have experience there, with Deculus taking some significant snaps.

Cornerstone Tytus Howard broke his hand and was placed on injured reserve before the team’s Week 1 game. However, he is not the only injury. 80 percent of the team’s starting offensive line, only sans guard Shaq Mason, is injured and has missed time. Rookie center Juice Scruggs remains on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. In addition to that, two starters, Kenyon Green and Scott Quessenberry, are out for the season with injuries.

That has forced Green into early playing time situations. But the Texans have asked him to step in and play well, and to this point, he has made plays at the baseline level for them. The Steelers will look to make some plays at Green’s expense with young players such as DeMarvin Leal and Keeanu Benton, who are growing into their roles up front.