ATLANTA – One of the top blocking tandems in the NFL, Pro Bowl left offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard made their season debut together Sunday during a 21-19 to the Atlanta Falcons.
A natural right tackle, Howard played left guard against the Falcons.
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The Texans allowed zero sacks for the third consecutive game.
Tunsil, the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL after signing a three-year, $75 million extension this offseason, was the highest graded pass protector in the league last year. He missed the previous three games with a painful knee injury that involved swelling.
“It feels good to be back with my teammates,” Tunsil said. “It’s been a while. I was excited to be a part of it, excited to be here with the guys and just to have this opportunity.”
Howard, signed to a three-year, $56 million extension at the start of training camp, was activated Saturday from injured reserve-designated for return after recovering from hand surgery to address four broken bones.
Howard looked comfortable at left guard where he played frequently two seasons ago.
“I feel good,” Howard said. “It’s been a minute since I’ve been out there, but I feel like there’s always stuff you can work on and get better. I feel like it felt pretty good being out there, so I’m only going to get better every week.”
Tunsil was upgraded to full participation Friday after being limited Wednesday and Thursday
Both Tunsil and Howard previously indicated on social media that they planned to play Sunday, and sources confirmed that was indeed the case.
“That 1-2 punch will be lethal,” Howard had predicted of playing next to Tunsil.
The current offensive line configuration: LT Tunsil, LG Howard, C Jarrett Patterson, RG Shaq Mason and RT George Fant.
Tunsil was officially listed as questionable along with wide receiver John Metchie III (illness), cornerback Shaq Griffin (calf), linebacker Jake Hansen (neck) and defensive tackle Maliek Collins (abdomen).
Griffin was ruled out after being egarded a a game-time decision, per a league source. With Griffin out, Kadar Hollman lined up up opposite veteran cornerback Steven Nelson. The Texans elevated cornerback D’Angelo Ross from the practice squad, re-signed defensive end Derek Rivers from the practice squad and released defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth from the practice squad.
The Texans, who also activated punter Cameron Johnston from injured reserve, elevated linebacker Garret Wallow after ruling out starting linebacker Christian Harris due to a concussion he suffered in practice.
Wallow was inactive along with nickel Tavierre Thomas, who returned to practice from hand surgery this week, third quarterback Case Keenum, running back Dare Ogunbowale, Harris and offensive tackle Josh Jones (thumb ligament surgery).
With Harris out, the Texans went with Denzel Perryman, Blake Cashman and Henry To’oTo’o as their starting linebackers.
The Texans ruled out offensive lineman Josh Jones one week after he underwent thumb surgery to repair a torn ligament, per a league source.
Collins returned to practice Friday morning from a muscle issue, that sidelined him Wednesday and Thursday.
Having Collins back, getting a key starting interior lineman, bolstered the Texans heading into a road game against the Falcons; offense headlined by rookie star Bijan Robinson, a former University of Texas consensus All-American.
Collins, 28, signed to a two-year, $23 million contract extension this offseason, has seven tackles, seven pressures and five quarterback hits through four games.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com