New look O-line
One of Caley's most important tasks is helping improve the pass protection for the Texans. Stroud was sacked 52 times in 2024, and that number must go down. With several personnel changes up front, the Texans tinkered with several different pairings on Wednesday.
"When it comes to finding our best group, it will be a lot of mixing and matching guys," Ryans said. "Putting guys in different spots and seeing which five guys work well together. One thing about the o-line is that there is a lot of smart guys in that room and they can move around and play multiple spots, so that helps them. It's just a matter of finding that five once we get to training camp and put pads on. Nobody is making the team right now in shorts and helmets."
One offensive lineman who made a favorable early impression, though, was rookie Aireontae Ersery. Defensive end Will Anderson, Jr. liked what he saw from the second-round tackle from Minnesota.
"He is a large human being," Anderson said. "I think he is going to be really good for us. I am happy he is here. Just seeing him today going against our guys, very athletic, can move, can bend, and I am excited to see what he does and going against him. Just like Coach always says, iron sharpens iron."
Joint practice update
Speaking of "iron sharpens iron" the Texans will practice with a pair of teams in training camp this August. Houston will host the Panthers for the second preseason game--at a date and time to be determined--and will practice with Carolina once in the days leading up to it.
The Texans conclude their presason slate at Detroit, and they'll practice once with the Lions in Michigan before that contest.
"We will do one day with both teams," Ryans said. "Excited to work against those teams. You get different defensive looks from both teams. Different offensive looks and you get to do it in a competitive environment where you're not live on the quarterback."
Last summer, the Texans practiced with the Los Angeles Rams at the Houston Methodist Training Center.