(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccurate headline.)
Kenyon Green didn’t need to hear outsiders break down his performance in the Houston Texans’ 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
The third-year offensive lineman knew he wasn’t good enough to stay in the game after the first three drives.
“I wasn’t playing well, so they had to make changes,” Green said postgame.
Kenyon Green on being benched, what he needs to work on, conversation during game with OC Slowik & more #Texans
“Do my job. That’s what I need to do.” pic.twitter.com/uY45DwGtmu
— Shaun Bijani (@ShaunBijani) October 27, 2024
Nearing the end of the first quarter, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans elected to pull Green from the starting lineup in favor of second-year lineman Jarrett Patterson. Ten plays and 70 yards later, Houston tied the game at 10 as Patterson opened a running lane for Joe Mixon to score on a 14-yard run.
But the touchdown came at a cost. Patterson remained on the ground after running into Colts linebacker E.J. Speed. He was helped off the field and later ruled out and he was treated for a concussion.
That led to Green returning for the rest of the afternoon. After allowing an early sack, the former first-round pick improved, though he did allow Grover Stewart to win his one-on-one battle to tackle Mixon for a loss of six yards in the third quarter.
“Do my job, that’s all I need to do,” Green said.
Kenyon Green was beaten by his man on all three snaps in that last series.
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) October 27, 2024
The Texans’ offensive line has dealt with issues all season. Last week, the unit was criticized for allowing quarterback C.J. Stroud to be under pressure for 48% of drop-backs. According to NextGen stats, it was worse this week at 57.5%, even without Green in the starting lineup.
“It felt like we can definitely be better, especially on my end,” Green told reporters.
Green has been the team’s most inconsistent option, but he enters Sunday as potentially the only one left. Patterson must clear concussion protocol before he can return to practice at full capacity.
Texans LG Kenyon Green did not play well vs Colts. He was benched but re-entered the game after Jarrett Patterson was ruled OUT with a concussion.
Kenyon Green was also a man about it and took accountability afterwards.
“I wasn’t playing well. They had to make changes.” pic.twitter.com/QKbApY0Bxb
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) October 27, 2024
The Texans have a short week ahead, facing the Jets in New York on Thursday night. Green could be required to start and given one last chance to remain the full-time option, but DeMeco Ryans did not specify what’s the plan moving into a quick turnaround on Monday.
“As we keep going, we’ll keep evaluating our offensive line and see where our guys are,” Ryans said.
