Houston Texans Training Camp Battles: Offensive Line Edition
The Houston Texans training camp starts in a few weeks and there are a few things to watch out for on the offensive line.
Both tackle points are basically locked. Laremy Tunsil on the left and Tytus Howard on the right. At the start of this offseason, we weren’t sure if the Texans would play Howard at guard like they did in 2021, or bring him back to his natural tackle. Texans head coach Lovie Smith confirmed on the Cris Collinsworth podcast that the Texans will face Howard at right tackle. It’s the best-case scenario for the Texans.
The Texans recovering Tunsil after missing the majority of last season with a thumb injury will be huge for the offensive line. Tunsil is one of football’s best left tackles and has the chance to return to Pro Bowl form in 2022.
The Texans think highly of Kenyon Green, who was drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft and there’s a very good chance he’ll be the week one starter. Green did not participate in the Texans’ OTAs due to the talent of the player who was recovering from a previous injury. He should be good to go to camp.
The center position essentially belongs to veteran Justin Britt. Britt was re-signed for a two-year extension this offseason. Britt played well at times but also struggled. Britt also missed a handful of games due to injury last year. If Britt is struggling or has to run out of time again due to injury, Jimmy Morrissey, who will likely be Britt’s replacement, may be lucky enough to get some important shots.
New offensive line coach George Warhop knows exactly the type of player he wants and that’s why the Texans signed guard AJ Cann. Cann was with Warhop in Jacksonville for a few seasons so the familiarity is there between the two and unless there is a surprise player in training camp at guard Cann has the best chance to start good guard.
Training camp scenarios are extremely fun to watch because you never know who will show up ready to go, who will be disappointing and there might also be a player you’ve never heard of who could impress throughout the game. camp and become a starter sooner rather than later.
