Though expected to play, Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil did not suit up in Week 9’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The 25-year-old suffered a shoulder injury late in Houston’s win over the Oakland Raiders at home in Week 8 and has not played since.
Luckily, for Tunsil, he will have a Week 10 bye, which will allow him to rest up for Week 11’s highly anticipated bout with the Ravens in Baltimore. Coach Bill O’Brien believes that though he rested in London, Tunsil will be good to go after the bye.
“I think Laremy is doing better,” said O’Brien on Tuesday. “I think he tried to go (on Sunday), he wasn’t able to do it and I think that he made a decision in the best interest of the team. But I think the time off will help him, and I think he’ll be ready to go.”
If Tunsil is available, the Texans will have their complete offensive line healthy for the first time since Week 6. Tunsil, Max Scharping, Nick Martin, Zach Fulton and Tytus Howard make up for Houston’s starting unit. Howard suffered a partially torn MCL in Week 6’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs and returned in Week 9.
Houston’s full starting offensive line allowed two sacks in three games. Tunsil is the engine of that group, as his sturdy play as Deshaun Watson’s blindside protector helps the entire unit thrive. According to Pro Football Focus, he is sixth in the NFL in pass-blocking efficiency (98.1) among offensive tackles.
The Texans traded big to acquire Tunsil before the season — sending over two first-round selections and a second along with change for him and Kenny Stills. It has worked out for the team. It appears to be that it will continue to do so with him expected to be back.
