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Rookie third-round pick Martinas Rankin has been activated off the Physically Unable to Perform List according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
The #Texans activated rookie LT Martinas Rankin off the PUP list, giving their possible starter at left tackle a few weeks to work himself into form.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 20, 2018
After presumably reading this post, the Texans drafted Rankin out of Mississippi State with the 80th overall pick in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The second-highest drafted rookie in Houston’s 2018 class underwent foot surgery in June after a fracture and has not been able to practice since.
With just 20 days until the opener, there’s no guarantee Rankin will play in the opener against the Patriots. In fact, he will likely not start or play at all early, as few rookie tackles can jump right into action in three weeks.
Nonetheless, this is excellent news for the Texans. One of their more promising rookies will be able to play at some point in the first six weeks of the regular season. Had Rankin stayed on the PUP List, he would not have been available to play until Week 7 (October 21st at Jacksonville).
Here’s to hoping Rankin can maintain his health!