Texans right guard Ed Ingram is out for Sunday's opener against the Los Angeles Rams, making it likely the team shuffles its offensive line against a formidable LA front.
Ingram, who was traded to the Texans from the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, was limited in practice last week with an abdomen injury. He is replacing Shaq Mason as the starting right guard, but his Texans debut will have to wait at least a week.
The injury means the Texans are likely to move Tytus Howard back inside from right tackle to right guard, move rookie Aireontae Ersery from left tackle to right tackle and insert veteran Cam Robinson to left tackle.
Juice Scruggs is also an option to play guard.
Meanwhile, the Rams boast an excellent pass rush, led by edge rusher Jared Verse, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Rams were 10th in pressure rate last regular season, but they're playoff performances vaulted them up to fourth. The Rams had their best pass rush performances in the playoffs despite blitzing at a slightly lower rate than they did in the regular season.
The Texans will have their hands full, doing it without one of their starting offensive linemen.
Also inactive for Houston are wide receivers Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios; defensive tackle Tommy Togiai, running back British Brooks and quarterback Graham Mertz.