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The world stopped earlier today when it was revealed that Nick Martin had surgery and will probably, most likely, miss the entire 2016 season. Now we have even more bad news.
According to Ian Rapoport, Duane Brown is expected to miss the Texans' season opener and may start the season on the PUP List because of a quad injury that occurred at the end of last season.
More on #Texans Oline: I’m told LT Duane Brown (torn quad) is not expected to be ready for the season. HOU being cautious, may remain on PUP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 25, 2016
At least in this case, in terms of options at left tackle, the Texans have something more than a former UDFA from Toledo in Greg Mancz and a former center from Oakland in Tony Bergstrom. Chris Clark was re-signed this past offseason for two years and $6 million to be a swing tackle in case something like this happened.
Clark will now start the year at left tackle. He's about as good as it gets for a third tackle when it comes to pass blocking. In the run game, he's limited. He misses blocks and has trouble moving the first level. That's not what he was signed for, though. What's important is Chris Clark is solid. He can hold down the LT spot and provide adequate blindside protection for Brock Osweiler until Brown is healthy.
Now let's all hope Derek Newton is alive and well.
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