Texans’ offensive line depth, solutions to be tested in Week 2 against the Colts

HOUSTON — The offensive line position was considered one of the strongest units for the Houston Texans heading into training camp, but heading into the Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, it is as fragile as table chairs being held together by duct tape.

The Texans are expected to be without 2022 Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil on Sunday due to a knee injury. Tunsil was held out of practice for the majority of the week by the training staff.

That is a terrible blow to a unit that is already missing right tackle Tytus Howard (broken hand), left guard Kenyon Green (left shoulder), and centers Scott Quessenberry (ACL, MCL) and Juice Scruggs (hamstring). Howard and Scruggs are expected to return this season, while Quessenberry and Green will miss the entire 2023 campaign.

Tunsil’s injury may hinder what first-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik wants to accomplish by establishing the running game early and getting rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud comfortable in the pocket. Stroud was sacked five times in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

With the lack of depth in the offensive line unit, the team signed offensive lineman Michael Deiter to the active 53-man roster and elevated Austin Deculus from the practice squad to the game day roster. Tackle Josh Jones is expected to move from the left guard position to left tackle to replace Tunsil.