The Houston Texans have seemingly found their starting left tackle for 2019, and it is someone who will divide opinions among fans and the media alike. Barring any last-minute injuries or trades, former Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers Matt Kalil will be the starter for Houston on Opening Day.
This was confirmed by Bill O’Brien in the press conference following Houston’s 30-23 victory over the Detroit Lions on Saturday night at NRG Stadium.
The veteran was kept out of the Lions game, which O’Brien explained post-game was simply a decision made in order to manage his reps. Kalil hasn’t made an NFL appearance since 2017 when he was the starter for the Carolina Panthers. Injuries ruled him out in 2018 and also caused him to make just two appearances in 2016.
Other than 2016 and 2018, Kalil has played all 16 regular-season games every year since 2012, inclusive. The one-time Pro Bowler never lived up to the hype of his impressive rookie year, and Houston may well be his last chance at a starting job in the league.
Backing up Kalil are last year’s starter, Julién Davenport, and swing tackle Roderick Johnson, who played with the first team in Saturday’s victory.
