Houston Texans starting right tackle Tytus Howard suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee on Sunday and is expected to miss several weeks, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
The rookie left the field on a cart in the third quarter of Sunday’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs. He is expected to avoid surgery and return at some point this season.
The Texans selected Howard 23rd overall in the 2019 draft. He became the first player from Alabama State to be drafted in the first round.
Howard has made four consecutive starts at right tackle after debuting as a left guard in Week 2. He had been credited for 1.5 sacks allowed and two penalties this season entering Sunday, per STATS LLC.
“He has played really good football for us,” coach Bill O’Brien said after Sunday’s 31-24 victory.
Roderick Johnson stepped in at right tackle after Howard’s injury. The Texans (4-2) play at Indianapolis on Sunday.