Houston enters Sunday’s AFC South opener against Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium with an 0-2 record and questions along its offensive line. The Texans lost 20-6 at home to Cincinnati, gaining only 18 yards on 12 rushing attempts. C.J. Stroud was pressured on 45.5% of his dropbacks while facing the Bengals’ man coverage.
Coach DeMeco Ryans discussed the situation Wednesday at the Houston Methodist Training Center. Right tackle Trent Brown received much of the attention after his problems against Cincinnati’s pass rush. Blake Fisher, Notre Dame’s 2024 second-round selection, is among the possible replacements after displaying strength and mobility in training camp.
Houston could also give Wyatt Teller a permanent starting guard role beside rookie center Keylan Rutledge. The Texans have not announced whether Fisher or Teller will start.
Indianapolis will be without receiver Alec Pierce, who went on injured reserve because of a heel injury, Colts coach Shane Steichen said. The team brought in veteran Darius Slayton and placed Eli Pancol on its practice squad. Josh Downs, Keenan Allen and rookie tight end Tyler Warren are still receiving options, with Taylor described as an underneath threat.
Houston is waiting for the official status of Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins, who has a hamstring problem. Houston previously won the AFC South after 0-2 starts in 2018 and 2023. All four division teams begin Week 3 without a division game, making Sunday’s winner 1-0 in the division tiebreaker record and the loser 0-3.
