The Houston Texans are evaluating their offensive line before Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium after a 20-6 home defeat by the Cincinnati Bengals left Houston 0-2. Coach DeMeco Ryans discussed the situation Wednesday at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
Trent Brown received significant attention after having trouble against Cincinnati’s pass rush. C.J. Stroud was pressured on 45.5% of his dropbacks when the Bengals used man coverage, and the Texans gained 18 yards on 12 rushing attempts.
Blake Fisher, a 2024 second-round selection out of Notre Dame, could be an option at right tackle after displaying mobility and strength in training camp. Houston also could move Wyatt Teller into a permanent starting guard position beside rookie center Keylan Rutledge. The team has not identified whether Fisher or Teller will start against Indianapolis.
The Colts placed wide receiver Alec Pierce on injured reserve because of a heel injury, coach Shane Steichen said. Indianapolis signed veteran receiver Darius Slayton and put Eli Pancol on its practice squad. Josh Downs, Keenan Allen and rookie tight end Tyler Warren are among the remaining receiving choices, with Taylor described as an underneath threat.
Houston has not received the official status of Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins, who is dealing with a hamstring problem. The Texans previously won the AFC South after 0-2 starts in 2018 and 2023. Sunday’s winner will have a 1-0 division tiebreaker record, while the loser will be 0-3.
