Right tackle Tytus Howard is out for the next four weeks. Composite image by Brandon Strange.
Just when we thought the Houston Texans injury issues couldn't get any worse, news broke on Wednesday revealing another starter will be missing at least 4 weeks of the season.
Texans right tackle Tytus Howard was placed on IR Wednesday.
Just on the offensive line, the Texans have lost left guard Kenyon Green for the season, center Scott Quessenberry for the season, center Juice Scruggs and tackle Tytus Howard for the next four weeks. Ouch.
Howard suffered a broken hand and had surgery on August 7, with an expected return date 4–6 weeks after the surgery.
Howard was practicing with a cast on just yesterday, with many questioning the likelihood of him being available this Sunday against Baltimore.
#Texans Tytus Howard (hand surgery) practicing, in a cast, not practicing: Jimmie Ward (groin, dental procedure), Blake Cashman (strained hamstring), Christian Harris @KPRC2 https://t.co/Xk5mYhXple
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 4, 2023
Now, he's done for the next four weeks. So what happened between yesterday and today? Did Howard aggravate the injury during practice, or was he just out there to make the Ravens think he might be available to play? Hard to know for sure.
This Monday marked four weeks since the surgery, and now we'll have to wait another four weeks before Howard is eligible to return. George Fant, who was signed by the Texans in early August, will start in Howard's place this week.
Fant started 36 games for the Jets over the last three seasons, so he does have some experience. The Texans being cautious with Howard makes a lot of sense. The team signed him to a 3-year, $56 million contact extension in July.
So what's the plan for Sunday against Baltimore?
Aaron Wilson is reporting this could be the starting offensive line:
Laremy Tunsil at left tackle, Josh Jones (recently traded for from the Cardinals) at left guard, rookie Jarrett Patterson at center, Shaq Mason at right guard, and Fant at right tackle.
Not exactly what the Texans envisioned for CJ Stroud's first regular season start.
Crucial elements that could boost Astros' edge against Orioles
Aug 22, 2025, 5:08 pm
The Houston Astros will try to build on Thursday’s bounce-back victory when they continue their series against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night at Camden Yards.
Houston (70-58) ended a four-game skid with a 7-2 win in the opener, powered by Jesús Sánchez’s five-hit breakout and home runs from Christian Walker and Yainer Díaz. The victory evened the season series at 2-2 and kept the Astros a game over .500 on the road at 32-31.
Lance McCullers takes the mound for Houston, making his return from the injured list (blister). The right-hander has long been a stabilizing presence when healthy, and the Astros are counting on him after their rotation posted a 6.02 ERA over the last 10 games.
Baltimore (59-68) counters with Cade Povich, who enters 2-6 with a 4.98 ERA but has shown flashes of missing bats with 90 strikeouts. The Orioles have been at their best when keeping the ball in the yard, holding a 27-14 mark in games where opponents don’t homer.
Offensively, Baltimore leans on Jackson Holliday, who ranks second on the team with 34 extra-base hits, and Jordan Westburg, who’s 11 for his last 37 with a pair of home runs. For Houston, Díaz has emerged as a key run producer with 18 homers and 55 RBIs, while Carlos Correa has strung together an 11-for-39 stretch over his last 10 games.
Both clubs are trending differently of late—Baltimore has won six of its last 10 while outscoring opponents by 18 runs, while Houston has dropped six of 10 with a .193 team batting average and been outscored by 38 runs.
First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. EDT.
Betting odds
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Orioles -112, Astros -107; over/under is 9 1/2 runs
Roster Moves
Besides McCullers rejoining the roster, Houston also made some other moves. Newly acquired RHP Craig Kimbrel has joined the club in Baltimore. LHP Bennett Sousa heads to the 15-day IL(No!!!) with elbow inflammation. RHP Logan VanWey is returning to Sugar Land, and Brandon Walter has been moved to the 60-day IL.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/QyRnbpYq5D
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 22, 2025
Starting lineup
With a lefty on the mound, Joe Espada opts to shake things up with an all right-handed lineup. The top 3 in the lineup remain the same with Pena, Correa, and Altuve (DH).
LMJ Day.
⚾️: 6:05pm CDT | 7:05pm EDT
📺: @SpaceCityHN
🎙️: @SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 93.3 FM#BuiltForThis x @reliantenergy pic.twitter.com/jxOk5CYPaK
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 22, 2025
Coming off a strong performance, Christian Walker (1B) will hit cleanup, followed by Yainer Diaz (C), Ramon Urias (2B), Mauricio Dubon (LF), Cam Smith (RF), and Chas McCormick (CF).
___________________________
*ChatGPT assisted.
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
