- Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien has told reporters that there’s “a good chance” left tackle Duane Brown plays in the team’s Week 8 game against the Seattle Seahawks. The left tackle held out of the first six games of 2017 in a dispute over his contract, but returned to the team on Monday.
- In Brown’s absence, veteran offensive linemen Chris Clark has started at left tackle, but he has struggled so far this year, most notably in pass protection. Through six games, Clark has logged 175 pass blocking snaps, and has allowed 13 total pressures including three sacks, and currently ranks 38th of 70 offensive tackles with a pass blocking efficiency of 94.0. After six games, he’s ranked 58th of 74 offensive tackles with a PFF grade of 45.6.
- With Clark reportedly set to miss time with a calf injury, it gives Brown a chance to slide right back into his long-term position, which would be an instant upgrade for the team. Brown has been one of the most consistent tackles in the game over the last seven seasons, and has graded in the top 20 among offensive tackles each year. His 2016 overall grade of 84.6 ranked 17th of 76 qualifying players at the position.
- With Brown back in the line up, the Texans will hope he can add stability to an unsteady unit that has allowed 91 total pressures (fourth most among 32 offensive lines) through the first six games, and has allowed quarterback Deshaun Watson to face pressure on 46.0 percent of his dropbacks, the highest mark in the league.
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