Texans OL Kenyon Green out for 2023 as injury issues continue

3-3 minutes 8/30/2023
A position group that appeared to be a strength for the Houston Texans during the offseason is facing considerable uncertainty as the team's 2023 opener approaches.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Field Yates, Texans offensive lineman Kenyon Green was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, effectively ending his second NFL season before it begins. Green underwent arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this year, and appeared to suffer another injury during Houston's preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints. KPRC's Aaron Wilson reports that Green will undergo surgery for a tear in his shoulder.
Green's move to the IR could prove to be a blessing in the long run—injuries have been a concern dating back to the pre-draft process, and this time away from the field might allow him to truly be at full strength by the time 2024 arrives. But in the present, it compounds the Texans' issues on the offensive line. Green, who starred locally at Atascocita High School before playing his college career at Texas A&M, was drafted 15th overall last year.
Rookie Juice Scruggs—who secured the starting center job when Scott Quessenberry suffered a season-ending injury in training camp—could miss the start of the season as he battles a hamstring issue, with right tackle Tytus Howard working his way back from a hand injury. It's quite possible, and perhaps likely, that three of the Texans' five presumed starters on the O-line won't be available for the team's season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 10.
The Texans made one move to solidify their interior line depth by acquiring Kendrick Green, who has played at both center and guard throughout his brief NFL career, from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2025. It's also possible that Houston explores the trade market and waiver wire for additional options. Michael Deiter, who started over Green at left guard in Sunday's preseason game against the Saints, was released on Tuesday as teams were forced to cut their rosters down to 53 players.
Aug 29, 2023|Updated Aug 29, 2023 6:02 p.m.
Josh Criswell is the sports editor at Chron. He is a Houston native and has previously worked at the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Huntsville Item and iHeartMedia. He enjoys Australian Rules Football, LSU game days in Baton Rouge and being tortured by the DePaul men's basketball program.