Cam Robinson was traded from Houston to Cleveland for a 2027 sixth-round pick, with the Texans sending a 2027 seventh-rounder. The one-year, $12 million deal he signed in the off-season looked like a plan to anchor left tackle, but rookie Aireontae Ersery beat him out, prompting the move and meaningful cap relief for Houston this season and in 2026.

The Texans started Week 1 with Robinson, but Ersery’s emergence at left tackle forced a reshuffle. Houston now relies on Ersery, Tytus Howard and Blake Fisher at tackle, with Trent Brown potentially stepping up from the practice squad as the new depth picture takes shape for the season.

Houston's offensive line surrendered a brutal start as C.J. Stroud faced blistering interior pressure. Jeffery Simmons timed the snap to perfection, delivering a 2.09-second sack—the fastest in the NFL over the last two seasons. A miscommunication among Texans blockers allowed Simmons to slip through as Jake Andrews overhelped and Ed Ingram misangled, leaving Stroud with no chance. Houston still nudged a field goal for a 6-0 halftime lead, but protection woes dominated the early narrative.