The Houston Texans are taking the hits amid their four-game losing streak.
While the Texans faltered 25-22 to the New England Patriots in Week 5 at NRG Stadium, two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil injured his hand. Tunsil will have surgery on the hand, and his status to return is at least four weeks away.
Receiver Brandin Cooks deemed the loss of Tunsil as “huge.”
“I don’t know exactly what’s going on, but if that is the case, it’s huge,” said Cooks. “You talk about a talent like that, I mean, the guy is special. He’s been playing at a high level since the moment he stepped into this league.”
Tunsil has started in all 33 games he has played for the Texans since Week 1 of 2019. All of Tunsil’s Pro Bowl selections have come during his time in Houston.
The player who is affected the most by the absence of Tunsil is rookie quarterback Davis Mills. However, the third-rounder from Stanford is confident that whoever fills in for Tunsil will be adequately prepared by offensive coordinator Tim Kelly and offensive line coach James Campen to do the job.
“I’m sure whoever will fill in for him is going to be ready, coached up by Coach Campen and T.K., and they’ll be ready for it,” said Mills.
The Texans have a couple of options. They could have Geron Christian fill in at left tackle, which is what happened against the Patriots. While unlikely, Houston could move Charlie Heck to the left side, and the second-year pro would be ready for the move.
Cooks similarly stated that Houston will have to live up to the fabled “next man up” mentality that is pervasive across the NFL.
Said Cooks: “Like I just said, with the next man up, when your number is called, being ready. We’ll be ready for that.”
The Texans take on the Indianapolis Colts Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts are tied for the 10th-fewest sacks in the NFL with 10 and also the fewest pressures in the league with 27.