Report: Roderick Johnson Will Start At Right Tackle Against Jaguars Today

This qualifies as big news for Texans fans. While it’s noteworthy that Tytus Howard will return from the broken finger that kept him out last week, it’s a bigger deal that Roderick Johnson will reportedly replace Seantrel Henderson as the Texans’ starting right tackle when Houston hosts the Jaguars this afternoon.

Johnson was clearly the Texans’ best tackle during the preseason; despite that, Bill O’Brien and Mike Devlin gave Julien Davenport every opportunity to hold on to the starting gig at left tackle. When the Texans acquired Laremy Tunsil via trade two weeks ago, left tackle (hopefully for the next decade or so) became a non-issue. Many Texans fans immediately theorized that Johnson should be plugged in at right tackle, but Seantrel Henderson was, for reasons unknown to the masses, seemingly locked in as the starting right tackle.

That sacred cow status was puzzling; throughout his career, Henderson has had trouble staying healthy, and when he did play, he wasn’t consistently productive. Thus, it was not a surprise when Henderson struggled badly against the Saints last Monday night. While I certainly didn’t expect Henderson to lose his spot on the first team this quickly, I am pleased to see that Johnson is getting a shot to shine. Let us hope his elevation to the starting offensive line results in better protection for Deshaun Watson against the Jaguars at NRG Stadium today.