Texans Line Coming Together After Unofficial Depth Chart Release?

Are the Houston Texans close to solving their offensive line issues ahead of their Week 1 contest against the Ravens?

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans released their unofficial depth chart Tuesday afternoon ahead of their Week 1 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. They will enter M&T Bank Stadium with a depleted offensive line due to several injuries.

Despite a subpar rookie season, Kenyon Green has left the most significant void due to his season-ending shoulder injury. 

Coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday afternoon that the Texans were still trying to "figure out their offensive line rotation." But according to the Texans' Unofficial depth chart, newly acquired lineman Josh Jones could start at left guard Sunday afternoon.

The Texans landed Jones and a 2024 seventh-round pick in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 24. Houston sent a 2024 fifth-round draft pick back in the exchange.

"[I’ve] seen Jones, played against him being with the 49ers — he did a really good job of holding his own," Ryans said. "Did a really good job at tackle, had a lot of great reps against us, and he’s had a lot of snaps in this league, a lot of experience. The game isn’t too big for Josh to step right in and be ready to roll."

The former University of Houston prospect was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, where he started nine of 17 games for the Cardinals last season and a dozen the year before.

The 2022 campaign marked a career year for Jones. At left tackle, he allowed four sacks while recording an overall grade of 75.8, per Pro Football Focus.

In addition to Jones, the Texans have listed rookie Jarrett Patterson as Scott Quessenberry's replacement at center.

Houston also listed Tytus Howard as the team's starting right tackle. Howard underwent hand surgery on Aug. 7 after sustaining the injury during a Saturday night practice. He was projected to be out for four to six weeks. 

But ahead of Week 1, Ryans said Howard is "day-to-day" while the team will "see" about his availability against the Ravens.