Texans vs. Ravens: Duane Brown out this Sunday

Jan 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans tackle Duane Brown (76) prepares for a play against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans’ offensive line has taken a good hit Satuday afternoon, one day before their game against the Baltimore Ravens, as they will be without the services of starting left tackle Duane Brown, as NFL.com reports he did not travel with the team to Baltimore.

With Brown missing the game this Sunday he’ll see his 78-game streak of consecutive starts come to a close.

Brown is missing the game with a toe injury. Replacing Brown will be Ryan Harris.

On Friday, Texans coach Gary Kubiak said about Harris if he were to start:

“I have a lot of confidence in Ryan because he played a lot for us last year and he’s played a lot of football in this league. He’s got a big challenge on his hands, regardless of who plays for us this week, we’ve got a challenge. They’re a very good defensive football team. I’m comfortable with Ryan. That’s why he’s here.”

My thoughts are I don’t care how much confidence Kubiak has in Harris, losing Brown is a big loss for the Texans this weekend. He’s the anchor of the offensive line, and with him out,  the job of quarterback Matt Schaub will only get tougher.

Harris will have to watch out for more pressure to his side of the field, especially with Terrell Suggs probably being over there now.

I have a feeling the run game could suffer as well.

Arian Foster and Ben Tate are very good running backs, but losing a player with the ability of Brown at the left tackle spot can’t be good for anyone involved on the offense, especially the running game. A sold left tackle like the All-Pro they have in Brown isn’t easy to come by and even harder to replace.

Kickoff in Baltimore is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST on CBS, Sunday.