Tag: Juice Scruggs

Texans have negative update on OL Juice Scruggs

The Houston Texans might be without Juice Scruggs for Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

The Houston Texans gained back former first-round offensive lineman Kenyon Green this past week following the bye, but another member of the trench play might be out for a while.

According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, second-year offensive lineman Juice Scruggs could miss multiple weeks after suffering a foot injury in Week 13’s victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans did mention the team could be without Scruggs for Sunday’s contest against the Miami Dolphins, but did not state he was officially out. Green, who started the first four games at left guard, could return to the lineup for the first time since Week 9 after being elevated off the injured reserve Monday.

Houston could move right tackle Tytus Howard inside the guard while kicking second-round pick Blake Fisher out to his natural right tackle spot. Houston could also start Kendrick Green, who filled in for Kenyon Green during the team’s loss against the New York Jets on Halloween.

A former two-time All-American, the third-year guard struggled mightily in pass protection, allowing the most quarterback pressures for a guard, and the third-most sacks.

He was better with run blocking, helping Joe Mixon pick up steam before following his return from an ankle injury.

“Getting Kenyon back is helpful,” Ryans said Monday. “We will see how those guys continue to progress throughout the week and see where they are and if they can help us this week or not.”

Linebacker Christian Harris was at practice at a limited capacity for the first time since training camp.

Kickoff against a surging Miami roster is scheduled for noon CT at NRG Stadium.

Texans vs. Bears: OL Juice Scruggs out for Sunday Night Football

Juice Scruggs will not play on Sunday night for the Texans.

The Houston Texans will be without one key offensive lineman heading into Sunday’s home opener.

Second-year offensive lineman Juice Scruggs is out against the Chicago Bears with a groin injury, according to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson. Second-year offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson will start in his place.

Scruggs, a second-round pick out of Penn State, was limited in practice on Thursday and did not partake in walkthroughs Friday afternoon. The injury isn’t expected to be long-term, though the Texans need consistency in their trench play.

Patterson, a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame, started seven games at left guard before ending up on the season-ending injured reserve. He started at center for three seasons with the Irish and one year at guard.

Running back Dameon Pierce is regarded as a question mark for Sunday’s game and may not play due to a hamstring injury. If he can’t go, Cam Akers, the preseason standout in the backfield would step in as the primary backup to Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 p.m.

Texans training camp: Juice Scruggs focused on mastering center position

While the Houston Texans could play Juice Scruggs anywhere on the offensive line, his sights set on the center position

For the first time since he arrived in Houston, Juice Scruggs feels like everything is normal.

Tytus Howard, who started seven games at left guard before suffering a season-ending knee injury, is back at his natural right tackle position.

Kenyon Green, the Texans’ 2022 first-round pick who missed the entirety of last season with a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason, is back at left guard.

Shaq Mason, whom Scruggs thinks is one of the NFL’s most underrated players, remains a constant at right guard.

And Scruggs, Houston’s second-round pick of the 2023 draft, is finally back playing his natural center role. Right now, that’s the only spot where he intends to master each rep, even if it’s back to square one.

“I definitely had to go back to the basics,” Scruggs said Friday following practice. “Just start all over. And, now, just picking up on little things that I wasn’t seeing last year and just getting better each day.”

Houston knew it needed to invest in a long-term center after drafting C.J. Stroud No. 2 overall in April. Scruggs, a two-year starter at Penn State, already had an exceptional understanding of Bobby Slowik’s offensive approach since the Nittany Lions ran a similar concept at Beaver Stadium.

But a hamstring injury suffered in the preseason sidelined Scruggs to the start of the year and opened the door for Michael Deiter. By the time the 6-foot-3 lineman was cleared for physical reps, Deiter had established himself as a consistent starter who was rarely penalized.

So, the Texans pivoted, shifting Scruggs over to left guard after Howard was carted off with a knee injury against Jacksonville. Scruggs considers himself a natural center. So do the Texans, but both wanted to remain competitive in the hunt for a postseason berth, thus leading a shifted role.

“I’ll play any position, anywhere the team needs me, but definitely center is what I prefer, for sure,” he said.

Scruggs started eight games, including both playoff outings, lined up next to All-Pro Laremy Tunsil. He excelled, allowing three sacks and three pressures while only being penalized once.

Deiter signed a one-year deal with Washington earlier this offseason, thus opening the door for Scruggs to start.

“I’m happy and excited about Juice in his second year around,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Juice is doing a much better job of commanding the huddle. He’s doing a much better job of being a leader and we’re continuing to lean on him. Continuing to encourage him to continue to grow in that manner.”

Throughout the offseason, Scruggs has been working on his snaps and his relationship with Stroud. The center position is the engine of the offensive line and must be on the same wavelength as the quarterback.

“There is a lot on Juice’s plate, but he’s done a great job of handling everything we’ve thrown at him and it’s just a matter of him continuing to improve and continuing to do his best job of communicating,” Ryans said.

Scruggs, who models his game after Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Jason Kelce, is up for the challenge of setting the tone. He wants to be the leader in the huddle and a mouthpiece for Stroud. The two have spent time between drills working on calls and audibles to prepare for whatever’s thrown their way.

Last season, Scruggs was learning a new system and a new position while playing injured. A year older, his attention now can be on mastering one position.

“I’ve been able to just focus on football. Like you said, even now, I can just focus on center,” Scruggs said.” So, it’s been very good just coming in, honing on that and just knowing that it wasn’t like last year, for sure.”

Texans training camp: Juice Scruggs focused on mastering center positon

While the Houston Texans could play Juice Scruggs at multiple positions, he plans on being the starting center in 2024.

For the first time since he arrived in Houston, Juice Scruggs feels like everything is normal.

Tytus Howard, who started seven games at left guard before suffering a season-ending knee injury, is back at his natural right tackle position.

Kenyon Green, the Texans’ 2022 first-round pick who missed the entirety of last season with a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason, is back at left guard.

Shaq Mason, whom Scruggs thinks is one of the NFL’s most underrated players, remains a constant at right guard.

And Scruggs, Houston’s second-round pick of the 2023 draft, is finally back playing his natural center role. Right now, that’s the only spot where he intends to master each rep, even if it’s back to square one.

“I definitely had to go back to the basics,” Scruggs said Friday following practice. “Just start all over. And, now, just picking up on little things that I wasn’t seeing last year and just getting better each day.”

Houston knew it needed to invest in a long-term center after drafting C.J. Stroud No. 2 overall in April. Scruggs, a two-year starter at Penn State, already had an exceptional understanding of Bobby Slowik’s offensive approach since the Nittany Lions ran a similar concept at Beaver Stadium.

But a hamstring injury suffered in the preseason sidelined Scruggs to the start of the year and opened the door for Michael Deiter. By the time the 6-foot-3 lineman was cleared for physical reps, Deiter had established himself as a consistent starter who was rarely penalized.

So, the Texans pivoted, shifting Scruggs over to left guard after Howard was carted off with a knee injury against Jacksonville. Scruggs considers himself a natural center. So do the Texans, but both wanted to remain competitive in the hunt for a postseason berth, thus leading a shifted role.

“I’ll play any position, anywhere the team needs me, but definitely center is what I prefer, for sure,” he said.

Scruggs started eight games, including both playoff outings, lined up next to All-Pro Laremy Tunsil. He excelled, allowing three sacks and three pressures while only being penalized once.

Deiter signed a one-year deal with Washington earlier this offseason, thus opening the door for Scruggs to start.

“I’m happy and excited about Juice in his second year around,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Juice is doing a much better job of commanding the huddle. He’s doing a much better job of being a leader and we’re continuing to lean on him. Continuing to encourage him to continue to grow in that manner.”

Throughout the offseason, Scruggs has been working on his snaps and his relationship with Stroud. The center position is the engine of the offensive line and must be on the same wavelength as the quarterback.

“There is a lot on Juice’s plate, but he’s done a great job of handling everything we’ve thrown at him and it’s just a matter of him continuing to improve and continuing to do his best job of communicating,” Ryans said.

Scruggs, who models his game after Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Jason Kelce, is up for the challenge of setting the tone. He wants to be the leader in the huddle and a mouthpiece for Stroud. The two have spent time between drills working on calls and audibles to prepare for whatever’s thrown their way.

Last season, Scruggs was learning a new system and a new position while playing injured. A year older, his attention now can be on mastering one position.

“I’ve been able to just focus on football. Like you said, even now, I can just focus on center,” Scruggs said.” So, it’s been very good just coming in, honing on that and just knowing that it wasn’t like last year, for sure.”

Houston Texans OL Juice Scruggs named top 32 center by PFF

Juice Scruggs could be the Houston Texans’ breakout player on offense this upcoming fall should he thrive at his natural center position.

Juice Scruggs playing football in the pros is an internal win after a car accident jeopardized his career while at Penn State.

Being considered a rising standout comes with hard work, long nights in the film room and consistent reps in practice.

Both are a reality for the Houston Texans second-year lineman, and others from the outside are taking notice.

Pro Football Focus listed Scruggs as one of the league’s top 32 centers entering 2024, appearing for the first time at No. 24. Scruggs, who mostly saw reps at left guard last season, was considered to be a name to watch on the rise now back at his natural position.

The second-round pick featured in seven games for the Texans in 2023, and though he recorded just a 51.5 overall grade, he showed potential on the offensive line and will slide into the center role in 2024.

Scruggs likely would have competed for the starting center job with Michael Deiter following training camp if an upper-body injury hadn’t sidelined him for nearly two months. By the time he was healthy enough to return, Deiter was locked into the position while the left guard spot had been plagued by injury.

Houston drafted Scruggs because of his position flexibility. Mostly a center, he did see some reps at guard during his final season with the Nittany Lions while helping the offense finish top 10 in rushing.

The Texans have options along the interior line should Scruggs have a better future at guard. Houston hopes that former first-round pick Kenyon Green can lock down the left guard spot, thus creating competition at center. Should Scruggs win the starting job, the Texans could pivot toward second-year lineman Jarrett Patterson, who started three seasons at Notre Dame.

The Texans return for the start of training camp on July. 18.

Veteran lineman pushing for Penn State’s starting center role

Nick Dawkins could be the next big thing for the Penn State offensive line in 2024.

Entering the offseason workout programs, Penn State will be searching to find a starting center replacement for the second year in a row.

After [autotag]Juice Scruggs[/autotag] went to the NFL, [autotag]Hunter Nourzad[/autotag] stepped into that role last season.

With Nourzad graduated, it seems like another veteran on the offensive line unit is looking to step up and take over the starting center job.

According to just about every teammate that talked to Tyler Donohue of 247Sports, everyone can agree that [autotag]Nick Dawkins[/autotag] is a hard worker and great leader (subscription required).

He was once being considered for a team captain role despite being a backup on the offensive line.

Now, it seems like he’s ready to finally get the starting reps throughout an entire season that’s he worked for. This will be his fifth year within the program and he’s yet to record a start.

That hasn’t stopped him from being a tireless worker and leader behind the scenes.

Offensive line coach [autotag]Phil Trautwein[/autotag] told Donohue that when Dawkins talks, everyone listens. All-American tackle, [autotag]Olu Fashanu[/autotag], says the veteran lineman is one of the hardest-working people he knows and puts a ton of time into getting better at his craft.

Dawkins will have a chance to earn it.

He has gotten game reps at center even if it hasn’t been as a starter.

This should give him the edge over his internal candidates that are likely a much more raw product based on lack of experience at the position.

Dawkins got off to a good start during winter workouts, being recognized by Trautwein as one of their “competitors of the day.”

It will be up to the fifth-year senior to determine if he can finally take control of that position this offseason and go into 2024-25 as the firm starter.

Former Nittany Lions Joey Porter Jr. and Ji’Ayir Brown named to PFWA 2023 All-Rookie Team

Pro football writers honor former Penn State defensive back duo on 2023 All-Rookie team.

It did not take long for two key members from the 2022 Penn State defense to leave their respective marks on the NFL. [autotag]Joey Porter Jr.[/autotag] and [autotag]Ji’Ayir Brown[/autotag], former defensive backfield teammates for the Nittany Lions, each landed on the 2023 All-Rookie Team from the Pro Football Writers of America on Tuesday.

Although Porter Jr. was the no. 32 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, he was actually the first pick in the second round of the draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Porter Jr. and he quickly immersed himself in a key role in the defense/ The three-time All-Big Ten player played four seasons at Penn State and left a year early to follow in his father’s footsteps at the next level. In his first NFL season, Porter had 43 tackles with 10 pass deflections and 1 interception.

Brown was a third-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in the 2023 NFL draft. Brown was a JUCO transfer addition for Penn State in 2020 from Lackawanna College, and he wasted little time becoming one of the top playmaking safeties in the Big Ten. In his first year as a starter in 2021, playing alongside Jaquan Brisker, Brown had six interceptions and went on to be named the defensive MVP of the 2023 Rose Bowl in his final game in a Penn State uniform. Brown had 35 tackles with 4 pass deflections and 2 interceptions in his rookie season for the 49ers.

Brown has a chance to play in the Super Bowl a year after helping Penn State win the Rose Bowl. Brown and the 49ers host the Detroit Lions in this weekend’s NFC Championship Game.

Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans) was named the PFWA Rookie of the Year and the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Former Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (Houston Texans) was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Texans also drafted former Penn State offensive lineman [autotag]Juice Scruggs[/autotag], who has been a key part of the offensive line for the Texans this season as well.

You can see the full PFWA 2023 All-Rookie Team here.

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AFC Divisional Round picks: Who the experts are taking in Ravens vs. Texans

The NFL experts have made their picks, and the Baltimore Ravens are favored to defeat the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round

We’re a little over 30 hours away from the Ravens (13-4) and Texans (11-7) kicking off the AFC divisional round of the playoffs on ESPN.

Houston advanced to the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs for the fifth time in franchise history with a 45-14 win over the Browns in Super Wild Card Weekend.

The playoff win earned the Texans a rematch against the Ravens, and they’ll return to M&T Bank Stadium hoping to avenge a 25-9 loss in Week 1.

With kickoff fast approaching, here’s the NFL expert picks.

Ravens divisional round preview: 10 things to know about the Houston Texans

We’re looking at ten things to know about the Houston Texans ahead of their AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Baltimore Ravens

The Texans advanced to the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs for the fifth time in franchise history with a 45-14 win over the Browns in Super Wild Card Weekend.

The playoff success earned Houston a rematch against the Baltimore Ravens, and they’ll return to M&T Bank Stadium hoping to avenge a 25-9 loss in Week 1.

The Texans are a different team since that humble welcome to the NFL moment for C.J. Stroud, and all the former Ohio State star has done is shatter records and lead his team to the postseason as a rookie.

With final preparations for Saturday’s kickoff underway, we’re looking at ten things about the Houston Texans.

Ravens will face Texans in divisional round of AFC playoffs

The Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans will face off in the divisional round of the playoffs in a rematch of a Week 1 meeting

The Ravens are back from their first-round bye, and they know their opponent after the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 31-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Thanks to the dominant play of Josh Allen, Baltimore will host the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium in a rematch of a 25-9 season-opening win.

In that game, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 28 of 44 passing attempts for 242 yards in his NFL regular-season debut but didn’t lead any touchdown-scoring drives.

Odell Beckham had two catches for 38 yards as he deferred to the rookie Zay Flowers in his debut.

Playing in his first game after a ten-month absence, Lamar Jackson was 17-22 passing for 169 yards and one interception while finishing with a 79.5 rating.

Jackson looked rusty at times but was efficient, had 38 yards rushing, and avoided nasty hits.

This is a different Houston team, and the Texans are flying high after dismantling the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round opener.