Left tackle questions remain
Ex-Pro Bowler Kalil, signed in the offseason, raises doubts with inconsistency
The most scrutinized position on the Texans’ roster hasn’t stabilized midway through the preseason, taking another sideways turn Saturday night.
An overhauled offensive line unveiled a different starting combination at NRG Stadium during the Texans’ 30-23 victory over the Detroit Lions. Former Pro Bowl left tackle Matt Kalil, signed to a one-year contract worth up to $7.5 million this offseason, wasn’t dressed for the game one week after a shaky starting debut against the Green Bay Packers.
Days after Kalil said he got his foot stepped on and limped through practice Wednesday and was held out of practice Thursday, the 30-year-old former Minnesota Vikings first-round draft pick was replaced in the lineup by former Cleveland Browns fifth-round draft pick Roderick Johnson.
One year removed from missing the entire season with the Carolina Panthers because of a knee injury, Kalil’s health and effectiveness are hot-button issues for a line that allowed an NFL-high 62 sacks last season. The Texans have tried to manage Kalil’s workload and help him shed the significant amount of rust he accumulated during his final season in Carolina. However, Kalil has had an inconsistent training camp after missing the Texans’ offseason while rehabbing his knee.
On a positive note, Johnson looked sharp as he stepped in for Kalil. The former All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection and Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner did a nice job of walling off pass rushers as Pro Bowl alternate quarterback Deshaun Watson had plenty of time to throw and delivered a touchdown pass to All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins during a game-opening drive.
In the first half, the Texans allowed just one sack.
Johnson had injury problems and fell out of favor with the Browns. He was cut last year before being claimed off waivers by the Texans.
Johnson has drawn praise from coach Bill O’Brien during training camp and has upgraded his strength and mobility over the past year.
Johnson was primarily on the Texans’ practice squad last season, playing in one game. Johnson is big and strong at 6-6, 306 pounds and has sound footwork.
Whether Johnson remains the ultimate answer at left tackle for the Texans is questionable, though.
If Kalil can’t remain healthy and regain his old form, the Texans might have to either trade for a starting left tackle or shuffle over rookie Tytus Howard from left guard.
Howard started at left guard against Detroit with Zach Fulton lining up at center with Nick Martin out with a hamstring injury as rookie Max Scharping turned in a solid performance at right guard next to right tackle Seantrel Henderson. When Martin returns as soon as next week and gets ready, Fulton can move back to his natural right guard spot.
As for Howard, he had his moments at guard, including knocking down a pass rusher, before leaving the game late in the first half with an apparent finger or hand injury. Howard left the field with a trainer, walking off under his own power to the locker room to get examined. He didn’t return.
Howard played left tackle with the second-team offense for the second consecutive week and had some issues in pass protection, missing a block on defensive end Romeo Okwara that got reserve quarterback Joe Webb III sacked for a loss of 7 yards.
Drafted 23rd overall and signed to a four-year, $12.3 million contract that included a $7 million signing bonus, Howard is determined to make good on the Texans’ investment.
Howard has drawn solid reviews since the Texans drafted him out of Alabama State.
Howard has displayed outstanding power and an occasional mean streak with an ability and willingness to finish off blocks.
What he hasn’t done right away is excel at pass protection at the left tackle spot.
“Tytus is a good guy,” O’Brien said this week. “He’s played hard, he’s getting better. It’s very important to him. He’s got a really good humble and hungry personality, which is really what we’re looking for.
“We’re just looking for guys that want to go out there and play hard, play smart and be dependable, and we’re excited to have him. He’s a versatile player.”