Houston Texans taking cautious approach with Tytus Howard

Houston Texans have officially listed rookie offensive lineman Tytus Howard as questionable for week one.

Houston Texans’ starting left guard Tytus Howard has been listed as questionable for the season opener against the New Orleans Saints. Although being a full participant in practice, Howard has been dealing with a broken finger that occurred in the third preseason game against the Detroit Lions.

Howard has been penciled to play in week one after being pulled from preseason action to mend his hand injury. Selected from Alabama State with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Howard has earned the starting spot at left guard after an impressive training camp with the Texans.

Although Howard has the opportunity to make his regular-season debut against the Saints, the Texans could very well err on the side of caution and have him sit out an additional week. Playing through a broken finger is a testament to Howard’s toughness as a football player, however, the Texans have to think of his long term future with the team.

A broken finger takes a while to heal and Howard has to use his hands to keep defensive lineman away from his frame and slow them down. Texans could very well elect to sit him out against the Saints and have back up left guard Senio Kelemete start.

Kelemete was the Texans starting left guard last year and has a season of experience in the Texans offense to be able to hold his own against the Saints’ defense. Having Howard as the left guard would be an improvement in the offensive line, but the Texans will have to make sure he is healthy enough to play before he makes his official debut.