Last Saturday night, the Texans beat the Lions 30-23 in their second preseason game. With Nick Martin still injured, and Matt Kalil soaking in a milk tub, the Texans trotted out a starting offensive line of Roderick Johnson (LT), Tytus Howard (LG), Zach Fulton (C), Max Scharping (RG), and Seantrel Henderson (RT). This unit worked out better than last week’s effort against the Packers, which led to Joe Webb spending more of his time inside the pocket this week.
Howard left the game before the end of the half. It’s been reported that the Texans’ first round pick broke a finger. He’ll probably be out for rest of the preseason, which is a shame, because every rep is vital for the entire offensive line. The good news is that Howard should be ready for the Monday Night Football season opener against the Saints.
Texans rookie Tytus Howard broke his finger https://t.co/yAOI9P7Cto via @houstonchron
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 18, 2019
The other bit of offensive line news is that no, Kalil is not being phased out of Houston. He is not going to only receive a fraction of his $7.5 million contract; he was just resting. Even though he didn’t play in the second game of the preseason, Matt Kalil is the Texans’ starting left tackle as of right now.
Bill O'Brien said Matt Kalil is the starting left tackle
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 18, 2019
Whenever Kalil does return, he’ll have some murderous matchups. I’m sure it will work out well. In the meantime, Johnson has played well at left tackle; he could be an early season replacement.