Charlie Heck hasn’t had much playing time in 2020, but the fourth-rounder from North Carolina has been ready to play when he has been thrust into the action.
The son of Kansas City Chiefs offensive line coach, Andy Heck, has been active for two games. After seeing a snap at right tackle during the 27-20 win over the New England Patriots in Week 11, Heck played 39 snaps at right tackle in the 37-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16 as Houston had to shuffle its offensive line due to injuries.
Houston may have to rely on the combination that they finished the game with Sunday as left tackle Laremy Tunsil left the game with an ankle injury and left guard Brent Qvale left with a concussion. Heck may be a part of those plans.
“I think we’ve got a couple different combinations that we may be able to throw out there with certain people playing different positions,” offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said. “So, if Charlie has to go out there and play, we’re going to be fine. He went out there, he prepares really well. He’s made tremendous strides this year during his rookie season.”
Kelly says that offensive line coach Mike Devlin has “done a great job” with developing Heck and getting the 6-8, 311-pound tackle accustomed to the NFL level.
“He’s put in the work and he’s earned the opportunity, so if we have to use him or if he has to come off the bench or whatever it may be, he’s going to be ready for whatever role he has to play for us on Sunday.”
The Texans take on the Tennessee Titans Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT at NRG Stadium. If swing tackle Roderick Johnson has to fill in at left tackle, with starting right tackle Tytus Howard already on injured reserve, Heck could see his third activation of the season and possibly his first start of his career.