No, the Houston Texans won’t be at full speed on the offensive line, but perhaps the better of the two offensive tackles is trending towards playing in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson Rookie left tackle Aireontae Ersery returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday after undergoing surgery. A piece of metal hardware was inserted into Ersery’s thumb to aid the healing process after suffering an injury in Week 16’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
According to the team’s injury report, Ersery is listed as questionable. He is attempting to play on Saturday against the Los Angeles Chargers and would wear a protective club to keep his hand in-tact.
As for Trent Brown, he’ll be out with a knee injury. The tackle did not practice at all during a short week after leaving during Houston’s final drive in Sunday’s win over the Raiders. Right now, the plan could be to move Blake Fisher over to right tackle or perhaps send Tytus Howard back to the outside, thus allowing Jarrett Patterson to play left guard.
Fisher, a former second-round pick, stepped in at left tackle for Ersery against Las Vegas and he is preparing to play Saturday. With the Texans this season, he has primarily operated as an extra tackle in their jumbo package with six offensive linemen, but was expected at one point to be the Texans’ future long-term right tackle.
With a victory over the Bolts, Houston will inch toward a third AFC South title in as many seasons. It would also automatically clinch a playoff berth as no less than a wild-card team.
The Texans’ Week 17 game will air on NFL Network at 3:30 p.m. CT on Sunday. According to BETMGM, the Texans open as a 2.5-point underdog on the road over the Bolts, with the over/under set at 41.
The Texans, who currently remain a half-game back in the AFC South standings, could at least tie the Jacksonville Jaguars with a win on Sunday. If anything, Houston should still be one step closer in clinching a playoff spot, even if it means being left out of the division race for another week.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Will OT Aireontae Ersery play vs. Chargers? Texans provide big update
