The Houston Texans will be without critical offensive tackle Tytus Howard for at least their first four games after they placed him on injured reserve on Wednesday. That means he will miss their game against the Steelers at the beginning of October. Howard suffered the injury during training camp and practiced in a cast for the past few days, but it appears the Texans will let him heal.
The Texans were dealing with plenty of injuries along the offensive line already. Centers Scott Quessenberry and Juice Scruggs will miss significant time as they are both on injured reserve. Guard Kenyon Green is likely out for the season. That precipitated the team’s trade for Kendrick Green. However, the team will be down the depth both on the interior and at tackle. Only Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason will be a usual starter in the lineup. They recently brought George Fant aboard, making him the likely starter with Howard out.
Since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2019, Howard has steadily improved to become a solid tackle in the NFL. Out of Alabama State, he has started 54 games since joining the NFL. Overall, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud will have many things to worry about with all the injuries piling up along the offensive line. Houston acquired Josh Jones from the Arizona Cardinals, and he appears in line to start at left guard but can play tackle as well.
The Steelers will see that makeshift offensive line. It is not a bad group for how many injuries the Texans suffered up front. By the time Week 4 rolls around, that group should also be jelled more. Regardless, the Steelers front is one of the more fearsome groups in the NFL and will give that group trouble, especially with the steady power and hands of Howard out.