The goal of the Houston Texans is to put the best five offensive linemen on the field.
If it means they have to play three tackles — Laremy Tunsil, Charlie Heck, and Tytus Howard — then the solution is to kick their former 2019 first-round pick inside at left guard.
That is what the Texans did in their 20-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys Saturday night at AT&T Stadium in their second preseason game. Howard started at left guard and Heck, a former 2020 fourth-round selection, manned the right tackle spot, Howard’s previous job for the past two seasons.
Running back Mark Ingram, who carried seven times for 24 yards and a touchdown, was pleased with the results.
““Tytus is a beast,” Ingram said. “He’s a big man. He’s super athletic. He can run well. He’s physical. He’s only going to get better. I’m happy he’s my left guard.”
Coach David Culley wasn’t as eager to heap praise upon Howard, at least not without going over the film.
“I haven’t watched the video, but it was good to have him out there,” said Culley. “He had a good week of practice when he came back off the COVID protocol that he was on, and then we’ll just see when we watch the video.”
Howard missed the first preseason game on Aug. 14 against the Green Bay Packers due to being a COVID close contact. Roderick Johnson and Tunsil were also placed on the COVID reserve, where Tunsil still remains.
The Texans were able to generate 89 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Culley hopes to get more out of the Texans’ run game as they conclude preseason against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium on Aug. 28.
Said Culley: “We’re never satisfied with that. Again, partly the way they played tonight has something to do with that, and basically what we did on offense was what they allowed us to do. [Offensive coordinator] Tim (Kelly) and the offensive staff did a nice job of putting in that situation.”
The only game Howard started at left guard in his career was Week 2 of 2019 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.