Kenyon Green re-emerged within the Texans’ starting lineup this season, attempting to bounce back after missing all of 2023 and struggling as a rookie the yr prior. The previous first-round pick’s return has not gone as hoped.
The Texans benched Green in Week 8 but moved him back into their lineup once substitute Jarrett Patterson suffered a concussion. Houston, nevertheless, needed to make use of a 3rd option — 2023 trade acquisition Kendrick Green — once Kenyon Green sustained an injury Thursday. Kenyon Green sustained a dislocated shoulder, based on KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, who notes the third-year blocker is out indefinitely.
Houston had considered making the Green-for-Green switch before Week 9 but gave the 2022 No. 15 overall pick one other shot. It now appears the Texas A&M product’s profession is on hold once more. This comes a yr after Kenyon Green suffered a torn labrum and missed all of his second season.
Green, whom the Texans traded down for from the No. 12 slot they obtained from the Browns within the Deshaun Watson blockbuster, entered Week 8 ranked last amongst guard regulars within the view of Pro Football Focus. Despite being the primary guard chosen in 2022, he has been unable to place it together. The offseason rejuvenation that led the once-highly regarded prospect back into Houston’s left guard spot has stalled, and it appears the Texans might want to make other plans.
Although Kenyon Green has struggled, first-round O-line prospects generally have fans in other teams’ buildings. That appears to be the case here, as Green was generating some trade interest before Week 8. Expanding on that, veteran NFL reporter Josina Anderson indicates the Texans are believed to have discussed the young guard with an NFC East team. Anderson describes those proceedings as Houston looking into the unspecified club’s preliminary interest. With Green now out, the Texans will almost definitely retain him on the trade deadline.
Kenyon Green’s rookie deal (4 years, $15.95MM), which is fully guaranteed, runs through 2025. Kendrick Green, whom the Texans acquired from the Steelers within the wake of Kenyon’s summer 2023 injury, is in a contract yr. The previous Pittsburgh third-rounder has not worked as a daily starter since struggling because the Steelers’ center in 2021. Kendrick Green did start three games for the Texans last yr, before taking place with a season-ending meniscus injury early in his first Houston season.
Patterson, a 2023 sixth-round pick, began all seven games he played last season; an ankle injury ended his season midway through — during a shaky yr for the Texans’ O-line. Patterson vied with the Greens for the guard job opposite Shaq Mason this offseason. Should Patterson come back from the recent concussion soon, it will stand to reason he will probably be given one other opportunity at LG.
This yr has gone higher for the Texans up front, as each their tackles — Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard — are healthy after injuries cost them time in 2023. Houston’s center, Juice Scruggs, has also began all eight games after missing much of his rookie season. The team will need a fix at left guard, nevertheless, and given Kenyon Green’s work so far, probably will search for a longer-term solution within the offseason.
