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Offensive line questions follow Texans into AFC South opener

Houston is considering changes to its offensive line before facing Indianapolis after an 0-2 start and a difficult loss to Cincinnati.

Quincy Nash

September 25, 20262 min read

The Houston Texans are evaluating their offensive line before Sunday’s AFC South matchup with the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The review follows a 20-6 home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals that left Houston 0-2 for the third time in four seasons.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud faced pressure on 45.5% of his dropbacks against man coverage in the Cincinnati game, while Houston produced only 18 rushing yards on 12 attempts. Coach DeMeco Ryans was questioned about the line at the Houston Methodist Training Center on Wednesday, and his response indicated that lineup changes remain possible.

Much of the focus has centered on right tackle Trent Brown, who struggled against Cincinnati’s pass rush during several late breakdowns. Blake Fisher, a 2024 second-round selection from Notre Dame, is being considered for the starting role after showing mobility and strength as a run blocker during training camp.

A possible adjustment would move Fisher to right tackle and give Wyatt Teller a permanent starting position at guard next to rookie center Keylan Rutledge. The potential changes come as Houston prepares for an Indianapolis defense after its opening two games, while the Texans also await the injury status of Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins, who has a hamstring issue.

Indianapolis will be without wide receiver Alec Pierce, who was placed on injured reserve because of a heel injury, according to Colts coach Shane Steichen. The Colts signed veteran receiver Darius Slayton and added Eli Pancol to their practice squad this week. Indianapolis still has Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, rookie tight end Tyler Warren and running back Taylor available in its passing and offensive attack.

Houston has previously recovered from 0-2 starts to win the AFC South, doing so in 2018 and 2023. None of the four division teams has played an AFC South game entering Week 3, so Sunday’s winner will begin divisional play with a 1-0 tiebreaker record while the loser will fall to 0-3. The source is sports.yahoo.com.

Source: sports.yahoo.com.

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Quincy Nash

Quincy Nash covers Prosper high school and area college sports.

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