“Day off for Matt,” Texans’ Head Coach Bill O’Brien told the media following the conclusion of Thursday’s practice.
The veteran’s off day for Kalil is his second off day this week after also having Monday off. The day off also comes one day removed from O’Brien singing his praises.
"He's had a really good camp. It's hard to judge in a practice setting. You can't hit the quarterback. The quarterback may be holding the ball sometimes to try to get the guys open. I think he's had a very consistent camp. He's a really good guy to coach, very smart player, good guy in the room. He's got everything you're looking for," O’Brien said after Wednesday’s practice.
While O’Brien spoke well of Kalil, former Texan and Sports Radio 610’s Seth Payne, has a different outlook for the former first round draft pick and doesn’t envision a scenario in which he opens the season as a starter.
“In my mind, the ship has sailed. I’m not anticipating or expecting him to be the starting left tackle for the Texans. I think if they put him out there, based on what I’ve seen so far, then they’re not looking at offensive line play the same way that I do.”
Kalil spoke to the media after Wednesday’s practice and discussed what motivates him in 2019 after missing the entire 2018 season.
“Proving to myself that I can do it. All the stuff I’ve been through as far as injuries and struggling at some points with that, but I think I’m to the point where I’m feeling really good and getting my confidence back. It’s a battle every day with the guy in the mirror,” Kalil said.
Roderick Johnson, the 3-year pro out of Florida State, is the benefactor of Kalil’s day off. Johnson got the majority of the first team left tackle reps at practice on Thursday and has looked good.
“I have simply seen way more out of Roderick Johnson than I have from Matt Kalil,” Payne said. “Johnson, played better than what we’ve seen from Kalil at any point this training camp.”