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The Houston Texans’ offensive line remains the team’s biggest wild card heading into the season. Despite having loaded up on weapons around C.J. Stroud, their Super Bowl hopes hinge on one critical factor – can the big guys up front keep their star QB upright long enough to work his magic?
In a head-scratching move this offseason, Houston shipped off Laremy Tunsil – their most reliable lineman. Trading your best offensive tackle when protection is already a weakness? It seemed like GM Nick Caserio was trying to hit the reset button entirely rather than making incremental improvements.
But after just one preseason game, there’s reason for cautious optimism.
New Blood Brings Hope to Texans’ Trenches
The team appears to have found solutions at two critical positions. Rookie Aireontae Ersery has stepped in at left tackle during camp while Cam Robinson nurses an injury. Against the Vikings Saturday, Ersery didn’t just survive – he thrived against NFL competition.
Houston’s first depth chart had Robinson penciled in at left tackle with Ersery holding down the right side once everyone’s healthy. But the rookie’s solid preseason showing gives the coaching staff flexibility if Robinson struggles in his return or faces setbacks in his recovery.
Center was a complete disaster last year.
The position became a revolving door in 2023, and when Houston didn’t address it during the draft, fans braced for another year of musical chairs between Jarrett Patterson and Juice Scruggs. Then came Jake Andrews – a waiver claim that barely registered on the transaction wire when it happened.
Andrews – a fourth-rounder by New England in 2023 who missed his rookie season with a torn meniscus – has quietly been Houston’s most impressive center throughout camp. The Troy product got the starting nod in the preseason opener and looked like he belonged. At this point, it would be shocking if anyone else snaps the ball to Stroud in Week 1.
Fisher’s Struggles Could Force Tough Decisions
While two positions appear solidified, right tackle remains problematic. Blake Fisher was repeatedly beaten on Saturday, allowing multiple pressures that forced Davis Mills to scramble or take hits.
There’s a silver lining, though. When the Texans return to full strength, Fisher shouldn’t need to see the field. The team can deploy Robinson and Ersery as their bookend tackles. If Robinson can’t go or underwhelms, Ed Ingram (who filled in at right guard with Tytus Howard sidelined) could potentially slide over to tackle.
It’s concerning that Fisher – a second-round investment just last year – looks completely overmatched at this stage of his development. But at least DeMeco Ryans and his staff discovered they have alternatives before the games start counting in the standings.
