Houston Texans: Offensive line injuries are a concern

Houston Texans won a hard-fought game against the Washington Redskins and extended their win streak to seven games.

The Houston Texans resiliency and strong defensive performance allowed the team to tie their seven-game win streak back in 2011. The Texans’ victories have started to become a habit as they are finding ways to churn out wins, but freak injuries have continued to haunt them throughout their current win streak. Both guards, Zach Fulton, and Senio Kelemete sustained injuries early in the first half against the Washington Redskins which led them to missed the majority of the game.

Fulton and Kelemete have stabilized the interior offensive line since being signed as the team’s key free agents. Kelemete was ruled out early after sustaining an ankle injury and Fulton hurt his shoulder which led him to miss the rest of the game. The Texans were forced to turn to Greg Mancz and rookie Martinas Rankin to shore up the offensive line. The offense ended up struggling to score in the second half and the only points they scored all came from Kaimi Fairbairn on a couple of field goals.

The reoccurring injuries at the offensive line might make the Texans think twice about bringing in additional offensive lineman to the active roster. The Texans currently have guards Chad Slade, Kyle Fuller, and offensive tackle Roderick Johnson on their practice squad. Deshaun Watson was sacked five times against the Redskins and although not all the responsibility falls on the offensive line, the Texans need to have more than just two options moving forward. The only depth the Texans have at offensive line are Rankin as the swing tackle and Mancz as the reserve guard and center.

The Texans have made it a priority in giving Watson a clean pocket to operate, and despite the fact that losing two players at a position rarely occurs during a game, it is of importance for them to have sufficient players in case injuries continue to occur.

Kelemete and Fulton have both been listed on the team’s official injury report and played banged up in the past.  The Texans could benefit from having another offensive lineman in the active roster competing for playing time and taking part in the meetings and practices.