Houston’s Week 1 setback at center with Jake Andrews sidelined by a high-ankle sprain reshapes the Texans’ inside blocking. Jarrett Patterson will start at center for multiple weeks, opening a door for immediate workload. Houston also lost Cade Stover to a foot issue, while Ed Ingram’s early-season injury compounds the rotation up front. C.J. Stroud faced three sacks and 41% pressure on dropbacks, spotlighting the interior line’s continuity as Week 2 vs. Tampa Bay approaches.

With Patterson absorbing the baton, fantasy managers will watch how quickly the Texans stabilize protection and how the offense adapts in pass protection and short-area throws. The Rams game illustrated Stroud’s growing pains; the Buccaneers present a stiffer test, but if Patterson holds the middle, Stroud can regain rhythm and keep receivers involved while the line evolves through miscues and new combinations.