Despite Injuries, George Fant 'Has Belief' In Texans Offensive Line

As the offensive line continues to be an issue, George Fant aims to fill in a vacancy left by Tytus Howard at right tackle.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans are in a dilemma with their offensive line on the eve of the 2023 season. 

Injuries have plagued the offensive line since center Scott Quessenberry sustained an MCL and ACL tear during the second week of training camp. A few days later, starting right tackle Tytus Howard suffered a hand injury, which required surgery on Aug. 7. 

Tuesday afternoon, the Texans placed left guard Kenyon Green on injured reserve following a shoulder injury. He will miss the entire 2023 campaign.

Now, on Thursday, center Juice Scruggs has been placed on IR as well.

The Texans have plenty of uncertainty surrounding their impaired offensive line. But due to the off-season acquisition of George Fant, Houston may have a solid alternative to help fill the vacancy left by Howard.

"Each time I go out there, I try to bring my veteran presence and experience," Fant said. "This is a good roster. A good team. And a good organization. I have enjoyed myself here so far, and I am happy to be here." 

When Fant signed to the Texans' 90-man roster in July, experience and depth were the selling points for Houston. 

He spent the last three seasons starting 36 out of 37 games with the New York Jets. Fant's best season came in 2021 when he allowed 18 pressures, three quarterback hits, and one sack. Pro Football Focus gave Fant a pass-blocking grade of 75.1 after 889 snaps played at tackle.

Before joining the Jets, Fant started 24 games for the Seattle Seahawks from 2016 to 2019 after signing as an undrafted free agent. 

"I am here to play within my role and do whatever I need to do for the team," Fant said. "It's not like we don't have guys who can't play at this high level. If we did, they would not be here at this point of the season. I have belief in our offensive line."

Fant isn't sure if he will start Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 10. But whenever he takes the field at M&T Bank Stadium, his top priority is to help the Texans win. 

His purpose came to fruition during the Texans' 17-13 preseason victory against the New Orleans Saints Sunday night. Fant felt the offensive line played fast and aggressively to help the Texans end their second drive at the Caesars Superdome Stadium with a touchdown. 

Although it took all five linemen, Fant's contributions at right tackle played a significant role in keeping the pocket clean for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud in Howard's absence.

"I have been in this situation before where I get thrown into the fire," Fant said. "I've been trying to prepare myself for the opportunity to go out there and play while trying to hold it down for however long Tytus is out."