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The 2-5 Texans’ Path Back Runs Through a Young Guard and Their Biggest Trade Addition
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- The 2-5 Texans’ Path Back Runs Through a Young Guard and Their Biggest Trade Addition
The Houston Texans enter the second half of their season at 2-5, with all four home games ending in losses. Their overtime defeat to the New York Giants made matters worse, exposing problems in tackling, offensive execution, and game management. Is the playoff door closed? Houston has very little room for another setback. The upcoming stretch against the Los Angeles Chargers and other struggling opponents offers a chance to rebuild momentum.
NFL insider Aaron Wilson has identified rookie guard Keylan Rutledge and newly acquired receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. as two important pieces of Houston's recovery. Rutledge must improve the protection in front of C.J. Stroud, while Harrison has the opportunity to become a major weapon in the passing game.
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Keylan Rutledge Must Turn His Rookie Potential Into Consistent Protection for Stroud
Jul 30, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans guard Keylan Rutledge (66) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Rutledge has endured a difficult introduction to the NFL, but the Texans have reasons to remain patient. Selected 26th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, he arrived from Georgia Tech as a First-Team All-American. His college performance, physical strength and aggressive playing style convinced Nick Caserio that he could become an important part of Houston's offensive line.
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The stat line still shows some room for improvement as the rookie has played 459 offensive snaps, allowing 21 pressures, including two sacks and one quarterback hit. His overall PFF grade of 43.4 ranks seventh among seven evaluated rookie guards. More concerning is his 34.1 pass-blocking grade, which ranks 73rd among 75 qualified guards. The Week 8 bye gave him valuable time to review his performances and work on those weaknesses.
"I think it's it's about the work. We got to go put the work in….not just say we're gonna do it. We got to go put the work in. So that's what we're gonna do," Keylan added.
Houston needs to see progress quickly, but patience and coaching could still pay dividends. The upcoming games will offer a clearer picture of whether the rookie can handle the responsibility.
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The Marvin Harrison Jr. Factor: Can His Ohio State Chemistry With Stroud Transform Houston's Passing Attack?
Sep 27, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during halftime against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesDarren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The Texans traded a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round selection to Arizona for Harrison and a sixth-round pick. This was not simply a move to add another receiver. Harrison previously played alongside Stroud at Ohio State, where the two developed familiarity and chemistry. Houston is banking on that connection translating to the NFL, potentially giving Stroud another dependable target alongside Nico Collins.
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Additionally, Jaylin Noel's placement on injured reserve after a season-ending turf toe injury leaves a significant opening in Houston's receiving corps. He had provided an explosive element to the offense, and his absence means other receivers must take on more responsibility. Houston, hence, will have to use Harrison's 6-foot-3 frame and contested-catch ability on the outside while Collins continues to attract defensive attention.
A healthy Tank Dell operating from the slot could give Stroud three different receiving options with contrasting skill sets. Harrison has already shown flashes, including a touchdown connection with Stroud. The Texans need more than occasional highlights, though.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
