In a significant development for the Houston Texans, offensive tackle Trent Brown has been officially ruled out for their crucial AFC divisional round matchup against the New England Patriots. Brown, who previously played for the Patriots, is suffering from an ankle ailment that prevented him from participating in the highly anticipated game. This absence necessitates a reshuffling of the Texans' offensive line, with Tytus Howard expected to shift positions and Jarrett Patterson stepping in to fill the gap.
Brown's status for the game had been uncertain throughout the week, as he was listed as questionable due to his ankle issue. He was unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday, only managing a limited session during a walkthrough on Friday. Despite attempts to test his ankle on game day, the decision was ultimately made to sideline him, preventing a reunion with his former New England teammates, whom he played for between 2021 and 2023.
To address Brown's absence, the Texans are expected to move Tytus Howard from left guard to right tackle. This strategic adjustment will see Jarrett Patterson assume the role of left guard, aiming to maintain stability and effectiveness within the offensive line against the formidable Patriots' defense. The team will be relying on these changes to mitigate the impact of losing a key offensive lineman.
Beyond Trent Brown, the Texans also listed several other players as inactive for the divisional round clash. This group includes wide receivers Nico Collins and Justin Watson, running back Jawhar Jordan, cornerback Alijah Huzzie, and quarterback Graham Mertz. On the Patriots' side, cornerback Christian Gonzalez and linebacker Harold Landry III, both previously questionable, were cleared to play, providing a boost to their defense. However, New England also had its share of inactive players, such as edge rusher Bradyn Swinson, tight end C.J. Dippre, offensive linemen Marcus Bryant and Caedan Wallace, defensive lineman Eric Gregory, cornerback Kobee Minor, and quarterback Tommy DeVito.
The Texans' offensive line, a critical component of their game plan, will face a significant test without Trent Brown. The team's ability to adapt and perform under these circumstances will be crucial in their quest to advance in the playoffs. The adjustments made to the lineup reflect the coaching staff's efforts to ensure the team remains competitive despite the unforeseen challenges posed by player injuries, particularly in such a high-stakes encounter against a familiar opponent.