The first hit the Houston Texans took to their frontline starters across the offensive line was center Scott Quessenberry.
The incumbent, who had started 16 games for Houston last season, sustained a torn ACL and MCL, relegating his year finished before it could even start.
Second-rounder Juice Scruggs had been with the Texans since May’s rookie minicamp, but still enough time to hate the circumstances for his teammate.
“Yeah, definitely very unfortunate, especially ‘Ques’ [Quessenberry],” Scruggs told reporters Aug. 14. “He’s worked very hard and he’s been a great mentor for me. Definitely took me under his wing, helping teach me the offense.”
With Quessenberry having shown Scruggs some of the nuances of playing center in the NFL, the Penn State product sought to apply them immediately to fill a hole at center.
“That’s exactly what went to my head, ‘next man up,’ and I’ve just been preparing like I’m going to be the starter anyways,” Scruggs said. “So, when that happened, all that preparation — it allowed me to go out there and just be comfortable.”
Scruggs played 12 snaps for Houston in their 20-9 preseason victory over the New England Patriots Aug. 10. Though limited on playing time, Scruggs was the starter along with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
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