Houston Texans right tackle Tytus Howard has gone from doubtful to officially out for Sunday’s bout with the New England Patriots.
On Saturday, the Texans placed the 2019 first-round pick on injured reserve.
The No. 23 pick from Alabama State, Howard suffered a partially torn MCL against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6. He returned in a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9, only to see his season ended before Week 13.
Howard practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week before Houston dubbed him “doubtful” for Sunday Night Football.
Before his placement on the injured reserve, Howard had performed admirably as the starting right tackle. In eight games (all starts), he has allowed two sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
Backups Roderick Johnson and Chris Clark are candidates to start in his place. Johnson, 24, has started two games at the position. Clark, 34, was signed after Howard’s injury in Week 6. He has started two games on the season.
Johnson and Clark split snaps at left during in the wake of Laremy Tunsil’s Week 9 out designation for a shoulder injury. Each played 34 (50%) snaps in the win, with Clark earning the start.
The Texans have been clamoring for continuity at offensive line. The hope was that Howard would join (left to right) Laremy Tunsil, Max Scharping, Nick Martin and Zach Fulton to give Deshaun Watson a complete grouping heading into December football.
“Any time you can have (Laremy) Tunsil and (Tytus) Howard at tackle, and (Max) Scharping and (Zach) Fulton at guard, Nick Martin at center, that’s a pretty good group and that’s good continuity. So, hopefully we can have that this week,” said Bill O’Brien on Nov. 11.
That continuity will be no more. Instead, the Texans will hope to field a line with a backup at right tackle while attempting to lure themselves back into contender status.