HOUSTON — One of the most vital position groups for the Houston Texans coming into training camp has been hit hardest with 10 practices and three preseason games left before the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
The starting offensive line has been riddled with injuries in the last week and that could affect the maturation process of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
During a team drill Aug. 3, center Scott Quessenberry went down with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee. The starter of 15 games last year was carted off the field, placed on injured reserve, and will miss the entire season.
Two days later, right tackle Tytus Howard suffered a broken hand and underwent surgery on Monday.
Howard, who signed a three-year, $56 million contract extension before the beginning of camp, is expected to miss four to six weeks and is in danger of missing the season opener. The fifth-year veteran has been considered one of the best tackles in the game, and his 2022 stats proved that when he only allowed three sacks on the season.
“What’s the word I used to use last year, ‘Dog,’” said Texans OL Laremy Tunsil about rookie Juice Scruggs who has taken over for center Scott Quessenberry after he was placed on IR. “We need him to step up and embrace that role.” #Texans #Sarge @TheTexansWire pic.twitter.com/HCAxKM0iWF
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) August 8, 2023
Quessenberry will be replaced by rookie Juice Scruggs, who has had a phenomenal camp so far, drawing praise from head coach DeMeco Ryans and Tunsil.
“What was the word I used last year (when describing players), ‘Dog,’” Tunsil said after practice on Saturday about Scruggs. “He stepped in, and he has to embrace that starting role as center. We need him to embrace that role and get it done. I believe he will. He comes in every day, works hard, and gets it done in the meeting room and on the field. I have 100% belief in him.”
Having Scruggs was a blessing in disguise for the Texans after their starting center went down, but they may not be as lucky when it comes to replacing Howard. Reserve lineman D.J Scaife was carted off the field on the same day as Howard was injured, and Greg Little was placed on injured reserve on Monday.
