Keylan Rutledge Fights Will Anderson at Texans Camp, DeMeco Ryans Reacts

The Houston Texans' first-round pick from this year's draft, offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge, just keeps on getting into fights at training camp.

After a little over a week had taken place in Texans camp, Rutledge had gotten into–– by my count–– four fights with opposing defenders after a play. And on Tuesday during practice, the rookie offensive lineman got into another skirmish.

This time, though, it was with somebody that not many offensive linemen––whether they're on Houston or an opposing team––don’t tend to mess with much: Texans All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr.

Keylan Rutledge and Will Anderson Jr. just got into it. That’s rare for Anderson.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) August 11, 2026

What DeMeco Ryans Said About the Skirmish

It was a fight that, while nothing totally malicious between Rutledge and Anderson, was able to get the attention of Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans after practice had finished.

And really, while Ryans isn't going to be one who is onboard with physically fighting, he seemed to be a bit of a supporter of the aggression his rookie showcased in that type of moment:

"Better be careful there messing with Will Anderson," Ryans said on Tuesday. "I love it. I love the scrappiness of Keylan. His mindset is what I love. He's not backing down from anybody; as he shouldn't. I expect that from every player on our team."

"We know we're not physically fighting. But there's always chippiness in our game. It's a tough, physical, violent game that we play, and there's going to be some chippiness that goes on. We just have to make sure that we're smart, especially in-game, to make sure we're not that second guy to cause the team to hurt us."

Keylan Rutledge Keeps Showing Off His Relentless Mindset

For chippy moments like that in which Rutledge showcases that relentless attitude, it's a perfect reminder of just why the Texans were interested in investing such a high draft pick into his skillset, and perhaps even more so, his mindset.

He's a tough-minded, S.W.A.R.M. player that the Texans and DeMeco Ryans loved to have on any side of the ball, but especially on this new-look offensive line that's looking to take some big steps forward in 2026.

Jul 31, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans center Keylan Rutledge (66) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rutledge has shown some great progress in his development as a pro, especially in his change from guard to center, to warrant the confidence that he can be a long-term piece on the offensive line. As a result, he might have the inside track to being named a starter on this front in Week 1, and has the standing on Houston's unofficial depth chart.

But mentally, the rookie has all of the traits the Texans love as well, which have, and will continue to, only begin to get more clear with time.

And just maybe, a few teammates may get into a spat with Rutledge in training camp as a result, even if it's against somebody who has the status like Anderson Jr. does, who's not exactly one to get into a shouting match too often.

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