Joel Blank reacts to the suspensions that the NBA handed out for the fight that took place between the L.A. Lakers and Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Joel believes the NBA got the suspensions wrong, and lays out how the punishments should have been handed out.
How latest development could be problematic for Houston Texans this Sunday
Sep 27, 2023, 12:49 pm
The Houston Texans are preparing to host TJ Watt and the Steelers at NRG this weekend, and it looks like the offensive line could be down another key piece.
Laremy Tunsil missed the last two games with a knee injury, and he wasn't practicing on Wednesday. Aaron Wilson is reporting that pain and swelling in the knee could lead to missing more time.
Which is bad news for the Texans, as tackle Josh Jones (hand) was not practicing on Wednesday, and he's been filing in during Tunsil's absence.
An option for #Texans injury riddled line at left tackle with Laremy Tunsil and Josh Jone sidelined: right tackle George Fant has significant experience on the left side @KPRC2 https://t.co/k6AzmH3yFQ
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 27, 2023
The Texans recently signed lineman Geron Christian to their practice squad to add more depth. Christian was a third-round pick by Washington in 2018 and last received regular playing time with the Texans in 2021.
Wednesday morning #Texans Transactions pic.twitter.com/gSFd2YuQxL
— Shaun Bijani (@ShaunBijani) September 27, 2023
If Jones can't go, the Texans will have to shuffle the o-line again and may start George Fant at left tackle, as Wilson suggested above. Austin Deculus could also be an option at left tackle.
This is a bad week to be down another tackle, with TJ Watt looking to make a statement on the same day his brother JJ will be inducted into the Texans Ring of Honor.
On the bright side, it appears Tytus Howard should be ready to play when he returns in Week 5 from the IR, but that won't help the Texans this week.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Texans could have both their starting safeties ready to play together for the first time this season, with Jalen Pitre back at practice after suffering a bruised lung against the Ravens.
The Texans are currently 3-point underdogs against Pittsburgh, and after last week's performance, this looks like a winnable game. But if the Texans can't protect Stroud or open any holes in the running game, it could be a long day for Houston's offense.
Editor's note: Josh Jones is not expected to play this Sunday:
#Texans left tackle Josh Jones is expected to miss the game against #Steelers due to a hand injury, per league sources while Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil remains sidelined with a lingering knee injury and is on track to miss his third consecutive game @KPRC2…
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 27, 2023