The Houston Texans are reviewing their offensive line after a 20-6 loss to Cincinnati left them 0-2 before Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Coach DeMeco Ryans discussed the situation Wednesday at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
C.J. Stroud was pressured on 45.5% of his dropbacks against the Bengals’ man coverage, and Houston managed 18 rushing yards on 12 attempts. Right tackle Trent Brown faced the most attention for his performance against Cincinnati’s pass rush.
Blake Fisher, a 2024 second-round selection from Notre Dame, is a possible replacement after displaying mobility and strength in training camp. Wyatt Teller also could take a full-time starting guard position beside rookie center Keylan Rutledge. Houston has not announced whether Fisher or Teller will start against the Colts.
Indianapolis placed receiver Alec Pierce on injured reserve because of a heel injury, coach Shane Steichen said. The Colts brought in veteran receiver Darius Slayton and put Eli Pancol on their practice squad. Josh Downs, Keenan Allen and rookie tight end Tyler Warren remain receiving options, with Taylor described as an underneath threat.
Houston is waiting for the official status of Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins, who has a hamstring issue. The Texans previously won the AFC South after 0-2 starts in 2018 and 2023. With no division games for any AFC South team in Week 3, Sunday’s winner moves to a 1-0 division tiebreaker record and the loser to 0-3.