Houston Texans' Jarrett Patterson Out 'For Some Time' with Lower-Leg injury

The Texans have a massive void to fill at center. In the wake of Patterson's injury, Houston could activate Juice Scruggs from injured reserve, but Ryans said there has not been an update on his status.

HOUSTON — Rookie center Jarrett Patterson will be out "for some time," Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans announced Monday afternoon. Patterson sustained a lower leg injury during Sunday's 15-13 Week 8 contest against the Carolina Panthers.

Patterson's injury forced him to be carted off the field midway through the fourth quarter. Per the Houston Chronicle, Patterson left Bank of America Stadium in a walking booth.

"Hopefully, we can get him back," Ryans said. "Jarrett has been a staple for us throughout this season. Very pleased with what he was able to do – stepping in. Smart player, tough player – played well for us. We’ll be doing some more shuffling around there. Coach [Chris] Strausser has done a really great job with that group, so we’ll see who goes out there and see what we can put together this coming week."

Texans center Jarrett Patterson recovers a fumble against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Caesars Superdome / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans have a massive void to fill at center. In the wake of Patterson's injury, Houston could activate Juice Scruggs from injured reserve, but Ryans said there has not been an update on his status. 

Scruggs has been on injured reserve since he sustained a hamstring injury during the Texans' preseason win over the New Orleans Saints. Patterson entered training camp as the Texans' third-string center. However, injuries to Scruggs and Scott Quessenberry forced Patterson into the starting lineup.

He has since started the first seven games while putting together an impressive start to his pro career. According to Pro Football Focus, Patterson has recorded an overall grade of 60.1 while being one of two offensive linemen who has not given up a sack in Houston. The other is Tytus Howard.