The Houston Texans will be without one key offensive lineman heading into Sunday’s home opener.
Second-year offensive lineman Juice Scruggs is out against the Chicago Bears with a groin injury, according to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson. Second-year offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson will start in his place.
Scruggs, a second-round pick out of Penn State, was limited in practice on Thursday and did not partake in walkthroughs Friday afternoon. The injury isn’t expected to be long-term, though the Texans need consistency in their trench play.
Patterson, a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame, started seven games at left guard before ending up on the season-ending injured reserve. He started at center for three seasons with the Irish and one year at guard.
#Tecans center Jarrett Patterson slated to start tonight @SNFonNBC against #Bears with Juice Scruggs sidelined with groin injury @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/2kO2Ya7VwS
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 15, 2024
Running back Dameon Pierce is regarded as a question mark for Sunday’s game and may not play due to a hamstring injury. If he can’t go, Cam Akers, the preseason standout in the backfield would step in as the primary backup to Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 p.m.
