Texans Camp Notebook: Tytus Howard Out 'For A While' Following Hand Surgery

The Houston Texans' offensive line took a major blow following the loss of Tytus Howard, who is out for four to six weeks following a hand injury.

HOUSTON — Tytus Howard made a brief appearance during Day 10 of training camp for the Houston Texans. But instead of taking first-team reps at right tackle, Howard remained on the sideline with his hand wrapped at the Houston Methodist Training Center.

As first reported by NFL Network, Howard underwent hand surgery and is out for a projected four to six weeks. He sustained the injury in practice Saturday night, with coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledging that the standout tackle will be out “for a while.”

With Howard out, the Texans split first-team reps with Tyler Beach and Austin Deculus. Both players had a modest day. 

Howard is the second offensive lineman who sustained a major injury during training camp. Thursday morning, the Texans lost starting center Scott Quessenberry, who tore his ACL and MCL during red zone drills. 

"With training camp and the injuries, those things­ – they happen," Ryans said. "No matter what camp you’re at, that’s going to happen. That’s part of training camp. Just hope guys can acclimate and we can just keep moving forward [and have] the next guy step up."

C.J. Stroud named starting QB vs. Patriots: During Saturday's practice, C.J. Stroud looked more like the projected starting quarterback for the Houston Texans in 2023.

Ryans did not disclose if Stroud will start under center during Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. But as first reported by NFL Network, Ryans named Stroud the starting quarterback for their preseason opener against the New England Patriots.

The decision coincides with Stroud taking first-team reps since Friday. Monday morning, Stroud dominated first-team reps for the third consecutive day. He began the first six days of camp in a close battle for QB1 with Davis Mills. During the early stages of camp, both quarterbacks were splitting equal reps with the first team.

"I've been really impressed with his confidence," quarterback Case Keenum said. "Some of his best plays came after a mistake. I’ve been very impressed with his unwavering focus on getting better every day and his confidence in that. So, he’s done a great job."

Kenyon Green held his own against the pass rush: With two starters out due to injury, the Texans will need Kenyon Green to expedite his development. The first nine days of camp have been up and down for the second-year offensive lineman. But Monday morning, Green had arguably his best drive.

During team activities, Green prevented pass rushes from defensive linemen Hassan Ridgeway and Jonathan Greenard. Winning his one-on-one battles against each lineman illustrated Green's development ahead of year two.

"He’s excited when he’s out there playing, he’s competitive, and he’s continued to get better. He’s grinding through camp, pushing himself, and he’s getting better and it’s fun to watch. 

"I think he’s going to be a really good, important piece to what we’re doing up front, and it’s fun to see him continue to grow in his second year."

QUICK HITS

• Stroud will start for the Texans Thursday night, but the future for Davis Mills appears bleak. During the final 11-on-11 team scrimmage, Mills remained sidelined and did not play with the second or third team. When Stroud wasn't taking snaps under center, Case Keenum stepped in for Stroud.

• Tank Dell and John Metchie III had great days making plays during team activities. Both players recorded a pair of passes that would have put the Texans in excellent field position.

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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