Houston reshapes its opening five on the line minutes before Week 1 vs the Rams. Ed Ingram is out with an abdominal injury, forcing Tytus Howard to guard at right and Cam Robinson to left tackle, with Aireontae Ersery shifting from left to right tackle. Robinson, a new Texans signing, joins the starting unit as Ersery’s versatility is tested. CJ Stroud eyes the protection as Houston aims to spark the run and pass game behind a wholly different front than last year.

Ingram’s exit and the lineup flip place extra emphasis on the Texans’ depth and how quickly the unit jells against Aaron Donald and Co. The Vikings connection of Ingram adds a notable narrative thread to Week 1, but the focus remains on Stroud’s pocket and Houston’s ability to adapt on the fly. The Rams present a stern Week 1 test for a newly constructed line.