On Saturday, Tytus Howard’s injury designation for the Houston Texans’ eventual 28-22 win over the New England Patriots went from “doubtful” to “out” as the Texans placed the rookie offensive tackle on injured reserve.
Howard, a first-round selection out of Alabama State, suffered a partially torn MCL in Week 6’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Three weeks later, he returned for a Week 9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
Howard started two games at right tackle before he landed back on the injury report as doubtful with a knee injury, presumably the same (left) one from earlier in the season.
“I would just say that we thought it was in the best interest — relative to what he was able to do, where he was at with his knee, it was in the best interest of him to move in that direction,” said coach Bill O’Brien on Monday.
Howard played eight games before his placement on the injured reserve, starting all but one at right tackle. He allowed two sacks in 488 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. The Texans were 6-2 with him in the lineup.
“I thought he had some good moments this year. He’s a great guy. We’re certainly glad to have him,” said O’Brien. “He’s tough, he’s got great energy, he’s got a really good personality, good teammate. So, I think there are a lot of things he did well and there’s a lot of things that he’d be the first to tell you that he can improve upon, but there’s a lot to build on.”
Ultimately, the Texans chose to rest him up for the betterment of his future. Instead of starting first-round picks at both tackle positions, the team will play one of Chirs Clark and Roderick Johnson, who split snaps in Sunday night’s win over the Patriots.
