Houston Texans left guard Kendrick Green is expected to be out indefinitely after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to a source from ESPN. Green was acquired by the Texans from the Steelers in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick after their 2022 first-round pick left guard Kenyon Green suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.
Green had started three games for the Texans due to injuries on the left side of the starting unit. However, with his current injury, the team will need to find a replacement for him. One potential option is tackle Josh Jones, who was initially playing left guard before Green’s elevation to the starting role. Jones is currently recovering from a hand injury but could step in once he is fully healed.
Another possibility is moving center Jarrett Patterson to left guard and activating Juice Scruggs from injured reserve to take over the center position. Scruggs has been sidelined with a hamstring injury but could provide stability to the offensive line once he returns.
The loss of Green is a significant blow to the Texans’ offensive line. When he was inserted into the starting lineup, he ranked 33rd overall in pass block win rate and 52nd in run block win rate. His absence will require the team to make adjustments and find a suitable replacement to protect their quarterback and open up running lanes for their backs.
The Texans have already faced challenges with injuries on their offensive line this season. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a knee injury in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, causing him to miss three consecutive games. Tunsil was replaced by Josh Jones until Green took over at left guard.
Despite these setbacks, the Texans will need to regroup and find ways to overcome their offensive line issues. The success of their offense relies heavily on the performance of their offensive line, as they need to provide adequate protection for their quarterback and create opportunities for their running backs.
In the meantime, the Texans will have to rely on their depth and versatility to fill the void left by Green’s injury. Whether it’s Jones, Patterson, or another player stepping up, the team will need a cohesive unit on the offensive line to continue moving forward.
The loss of Green highlights the importance of depth and contingency plans in the NFL. Injuries are an unfortunate reality of the game, and teams must be prepared to adapt and adjust when key players go down. The Texans will need to rely on their coaching staff and scouting department to identify suitable replacements and ensure that the offensive line remains a strong unit despite the setbacks.
As Green begins his recovery process, the Texans will be monitoring his progress closely. The team will likely provide updates on his condition and potential return timeline as more information becomes available. In the meantime, they will be focused on finding a temporary solution at left guard and continuing to compete in the highly competitive NFL.
Overall, Kendrick Green’s injury is a significant setback for the Houston Texans. The team will need to find a suitable replacement and make adjustments to their offensive line to ensure the success of their offense. With depth and versatility, they can overcome this challenge and continue to compete in the NFL.