The Houston Texans are 0-2 after a 20-6 defeat at home against Cincinnati and are reviewing their offensive line before Sunday’s AFC South opener with Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. Coach DeMeco Ryans discussed the issue Wednesday at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
C.J. Stroud faced pressure on 45.5% of his dropbacks against the Bengals’ man coverage, and Houston gained 18 yards on 12 rushing attempts. Trent Brown received much of the criticism for his work against Cincinnati’s pass rush.
Blake Fisher, a 2024 second-round Notre Dame selection, is under consideration after displaying strength and mobility in training camp. Wyatt Teller could also become a full-time starting guard beside rookie center Keylan Rutledge. Houston has not said whether Fisher or Teller will start.
Indianapolis will be without receiver Alec Pierce, who went on injured reserve because of a heel injury, coach Shane Steichen said. The Colts brought in veteran Darius Slayton and placed Eli Pancol on their practice squad. Josh Downs, Keenan Allen and rookie tight end Tyler Warren are among the other receiving options, with Taylor described as an underneath threat.
Houston is waiting for the official designation of Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins, who has a hamstring problem. The Texans won the AFC South after 0-2 starts in 2018 and 2023. With no AFC South team playing a division game in Week 3, Sunday’s winner will have a 1-0 division tiebreaker record and the loser will be 0-3.
