Tunsil still out due to COVID protocols
Left tackle Laremy Tunsil will miss a third consecutive preseason game because he still hasn’t recovered from testing positive for COVID-19.
Coach David Culley said before practice Thursday that Tunsil wouldn’t play against Tampa Bay in the last preseason game Saturday at NRG Stadium. He also missed the preseason victories over Green Bay and Dallas. The coaches are hoping Tunsil will feel well enough to start against Jacksonville in the first regular-season game Sept. 12.
“He will not play,” Culley said. “He’s still (in) the protocol right now.”
Asked when Tunsil will be able to return, Culley said, “We’re not sure yet. When he’s feeling better. We’re taking it day by day.
“Right now, he’s kind of getting reconditioned because he’s been away for a while. We’re not going to put him back out on the field until we feel he’s ready to play conditioning-wise.”
Geron Christian Sr., who began training camp on the reserve/COVID-19 list, will start a third consecutive game at left tackle in place of Tunsil.
Cannon, Taylor remain on PUP
David Culley said there is no update on when offensive tackle Marcus Cannon and guard Lane Taylor will return from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, but the coach said they are both “progressing” in recovery.
Cannon and Taylor have been on the PUP list since the start of training camp.
Cannon, acquired in a March trade with the Patriots, has been recovering from offseason knee surgery, and Taylor signed a one-year deal with the Texans after playing in just one game for the Packers after suffering an ACL tear in the 2020 season opener.
Taylor, 31, also played in only two games in 2019 due to a biceps tear. Cannon, a 33-year-old cancer survivor, opted out of the 2020 season with concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
When healthy, the two veteran linemen can potentially boost an offensive line that gave up the second-most sacks (50) in the NFL last season and was part of the league’s second-worst rushing attack.
Cannon started in 69 games at right tackle in nine seasons with New England, during which the Patriots appeared in five Super Bowls and won three.
Taylor started in 50 games at left guard in eight seasons with Green Bay, and he’s familiar with the blocking schemes firstyear Texans offensive line coach James Campen used while coaching the Packers’ line from 2007 until 2018.
For now, the Texans staff has moved Tytus Howard, the team’s 2019 first-round pick, from right tackle to left guard. The 6-5, 322-pounder is a powerful blocker who can strengthen an interior that must improve.
Coaches have been impressed with the progression of Charlie Heck, a 2020 fourth-round pick, at right tackle, and he’s expected to be the starter when the regular season begins.
Miller, Roberts among sidelined
Wide receiver Anthony Miller, return specialist Andre Roberts, safety A.J. Moore and defensive end Jonathan Greenard did not dress out for practice Thursday, all still not practicing after missing time due to injuries or resting before the season.
Miller and Greenard have not returned to practice since suffering injuries against the Packers in the preseason opener. Greenard had a “little ankle sprain,” David Culley said, and Miller suffered a slight dislocation of his right shoulder that will not require surgery. Miller is expected to rest, rehab and return early in the season, possibly for the first game Sept. 12.
General manager Nick Caserio traded fifth- and seventh-round draft picks in 2022 to get Miller from the Bears in July. Miller had two shoulder surgeries while with Chicago.
Miller, who recorded 134 catches for 1,564 yards and 11 touchdowns in three seasons with Chicago, was practicing well with the Texans in training camp and looked like he’d be a promising threat in the offense. He had two catches for 14 yards before the injury in Green Bay.
Greenard, a third-round pick by the Texans in 2020, is expected to provide depth as an edge rusher in new defensive coordinator Lovie Smith’s attacking four-man front. Greenard played in 13 games last season, started one, and recorded 19 tackles and a sack. In the preseason opener, he had a sack fumble against the Packers before his injury.
Moore, a four-year veteran, has been working out on a field separate from practice. He has played in 43 games in three seasons for the Texans and started in five in 2020, when the 25-yearold recorded 35 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
Roberts, a 12-year veteran, has not practiced since Aug. 9.