Keep an eye on the line
As the Texans head to Arlington to play the Cowboys in their third preseason game, here’s a look at five things that bear watching:
What’s going on at left tackle? 1
Roderick Johnson is making his move to win the starting job. Although veteran left tackle Matt Kalil has repeatedly been declared the regularseason starter by Bill O’Brien, Kalil hasn’t practiced in more than a week and has had rocky performances when he’s played as he continues to shed the rust and works to strengthen his knee after missing all of last season with the Panthers. Kalil also said he got his foot stepped on during a joint practice with the Lions. Meanwhile, Johnson is coming off an eye-opening game against the Lions where the former Browns draft pick was effective in pass blocking and run blocking and looked much better than Kalil did in the preseason opener against the Packers. If Johnson delivers a repeat of last week against the Cowboys’ front seven, he’ll give the coaching staff more to consider and whether they should go forward with Johnson or give Kalil another shot if or when his health stabilizes. The Xfactor, and it appears unlikely, would be shifting over starting left guard Tytus Howard to left tackle. However, the firstround draft pick is out with a broken finger and unavailable to play left tackle with the secondteam offense this week. Howard has looked much better at guard, knocking down defensive linemen, than his tentative showing at tackle. Of course, the trade rumors swirling around the Texans haven’t stopped when it comes to the left tackle position and absent, unsigned franchise player Jadeveon Clowney.
Duke Johnson’s debut? 2
The Texans have had just a few days of practice with the versatile former Browns running back, whom quarterback Deshaun Watson calls “electric.” Johnson doesn’t need to necessarily play against the Cowboys, but this represents his last chance to get some work in a preseason game heading into the regular season. Johnson figures to have a dynamic role catching passes out of the backfield, lining up in the slot and creating mismatches against slower linebackers and safeties.
Wide receiver battle redux 3
One week after undrafted rookie Tyron Johnson caught a 44-yard pass in Green Bay, Vyncint Smith showed excellent concentration and speed on a 31-yard touchdown. Smith and Johnson are battling for the final receiver spot, and it’s close, with Smith holding a slight edge after making the team and contributing as a rookie last season.
Lonnie Johnson Jr. 4
The second-round draft pick from Kentucky has had a quiet training camp and is still learning the ropes in the NFL and adding polish to his game. A former junior college transfer with outstanding size and athleticism, Johnson could give the Texans a shutdown presence at corner. The Texans are taking a patient approach with him. When the Texans match up with fast receivers this fall, they’ll need Johnson to handle those kind of matchups in tandem with outside corners Bradley Roby and Johnathan Joseph.
Tight end 5
Rookie tight end Kahale Warring remains out with a concussion suffered in Green Bay and has missed the past two weeks of practice. The Texans are going to have to gauge whether they’ll place the third-round draft pick on injured reserve to start the season and determine if he can be healthy enough to play. Meanwhile, Jordan Thomas is starting to lose weight after missing time with a hamstring strain and caught a touchdown last week that was called back due to a penalty. Darren Fells, Jordan Akins and Jerell Adams have been consistent throughout camp. Fells figures into the roster plan because of his blocking. Akins is surehanded and provides the ability to play tight end, fullback and slot receiver. Adams caught a touchdown in Green Bay. The Texans’ original plan was to keep four tight ends. Warring’s health issues could pave a path onto the 53-man roster for Adams.