Houston Texans' Juice Scruggs Makes Season Debut Amid Tytus Howard Injury

During the Houston Texans' loss to the Jaguars, rookie offensive lineman Juice Scruggs made his season debut amid an injury to Tytus Howard.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans sustained a 24-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday afternoon. But once again, the Texans' offensive line was hit by another injury.

During the final seconds of the first quarter, Tytus Howard sustained a left knee injury. He slowly walked to the Blue Medical Tent but was shortly carted to the locker room.

Rookie Juice Scruggs filled in for Howard at left guard, making his NFL debut after a long layover.

"It felt good to be back out there but not the way we wanted to end it," Scruggs said. "I was preparing the whole time like I was a starter. I just knew whenever my number would be called, I would be ready."

Scruggs was one of several offensive linemen who sustained a crucial injury since the second week of training camp. He went down with a hamstring injury during the Texans' preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 27.

Houston Texans' Tytus Howard / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Starting the season on the sideline disappointed Scruggs, but the former Penn State prospect spent the entire time studying and watching the game from afar. 

Veteran George Fant said he was impressed by Scruggs' willingness to learn, as he never missed an O-line meeting. Laremy Tunsil said he would have to go back and watch the film to get a true evaluation but felt Scruggs did a "good job."

"I just knew I was the next man up," Scruggs said. "At the end of the day, it's football, no matter where you lineup...I feel like I did alright. There is definitely more room for improvement."

As Scruggs begins his career, there is uncertainty surrounding Howard. Coach DeMeco Ryans did not have an update on Howard's injury following the game. However, he was seen in the locker room walking around with a black sleeve on his leg.

Should Howard miss a significant amount of time, it will mark his second major injury of the season. Howard underwent hand surgery on Aug. 7 after breaking his right hand during the second week of training camp.

The injury forced Howard to miss the first four games of the season. According to Pro Football Focus, Howard has not allowed a sack in 394 snaps played at left guard.

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