Houston Texans' Tytus Howard Returns to Practice After IR Stint

Right tackle Tytus Howard returned to practice after missing the first four games of the 2023 season.

HOUSTON — Texans right tackle Tytus Howard returned to practice Wednesday morning at the Houston Methodist Training Center. Howard underwent hand surgery on Aug. 7 after sustaining the injury during a Saturday night practice. 

The Texans placed Howard on injured reserve a month later, forcing him to miss the first four games. Coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged that despite his return, Howard's status for Sunday's game against the 2-2 Atlanta Falcons is still uncertain.

"It was good to get some of our guys back," Ryans said. "Guys have been working hard while they were away. The most important thing is, are you ready to contribute once you come back?

"We will have the best five guys out there who are available. Whenever we need them, guys will be ready to go."

Howard was the second offensive lineman who sustained a significant injury during training camp. Two days before he went down, the Texans lost starting center Scott Quessenberry, who tore his ACL and MCL.

Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard blocks against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports / Jeff Hanisch-USA Today

Houston has since lost Kenyon Green (shoulder), Juice Scruggs (hamstring) and Laremy Tunsil (knee). Tunsil returned to practice after missing the previous two games due to a knee injury. 

Kendrick Green was the latest offensive lineman to go down with an injury. The Texans placed Green on injured reserve after he sustained a torn meniscus during Sunday's 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Howard is the third longest-tenured player on the roster. The Texans drafted him with the No. 23 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Four years later, Howard signed a three-year, $56 million extension on July 26.

According to Pro Football Focus, Howard has allowed an average of 2.2 sacks per year with a pass-blocking grade of 69.0. In the four games missed, George Fant started in Howard's absence. Fant gave up one sack while posting a pass-blocking grade of 71.0, per Pro Football Focus.