The Houston Texans are considering changes to their offensive line after a 20-6 home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals left them 0-2 heading into Sunday’s AFC South opener against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the situation Wednesday at the Houston Methodist Training Center. The Texans allowed quarterback C.J. Stroud to face pressure on 45.5% of his dropbacks against Cincinnati’s man coverage, while Houston produced 18 rushing yards on 12 attempts.
Right tackle Trent Brown drew much of the scrutiny after struggling against Cincinnati’s pass rush. Blake Fisher, a 2024 second-round pick from Notre Dame, could be considered for the starting job after showing mobility and strength during training camp.
A potential lineup adjustment could also involve Wyatt Teller moving into a full-time starting guard role next to rookie center Keylan Rutledge. The source did not state whether Fisher or Teller will start against Indianapolis.
The Colts will be without wide receiver Alec Pierce, who was placed on injured reserve with a heel injury, according to Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen. Indianapolis signed veteran receiver Darius Slayton and added Eli Pancol to its practice squad after Pierce’s injury. Josh Downs, Keenan Allen and rookie tight end Tyler Warren remain among Indianapolis’ receiving options, while Taylor is described as an underneath threat.
Houston is also awaiting the official injury report status of Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins, who has a hamstring issue. The Texans have previously recovered from 0-2 starts to win the AFC South in 2018 and 2023.
