Texans adjust for Week 2 vs. Tampa Bay as Jake Andrews sits with a rolled ankle and Ed Ingram returns to bolster the interior. Jarrett Patterson steps in at center to stabilize the line, while Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios miss another game, narrowing the target tree behind Nico Collins. With Ingram back, Houston hopes to regain cohesion up front and lean on Collins and the slot options—Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson—along with Justin Watson in the interim.

Houston’s Week 2 outlook hinges on the health of Christian Kirk, with hamstring concerns keeping him out of Friday practice and his Week 2 status uncertain for Monday vs. Tampa Bay. Braxton Berrios and Jake Andrews also missed time, elevating the Texans’ WR room and leaving Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, and rookie Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel as the most likely beneficiaries if Kirk sits. Ed Ingram’s return to full practice bolsters the line, but receiver depth remains a concern as Houston eyes a primetime matchup.

If Kirk misses, Collins could lead targets, with Hutchinson and the rookie duo stepping into significant roles. The Texans may lean on a quick-hitting, pass-friendly script to ease quarterback C.J. Stroud into his second start, while TB’s defense tests the Texans’ growing inexperienced group. Fantasy managers should monitor Kirk’s practice status Saturday for clear Week 2 guidance.

Stroud aims to rebound after Houston's 14-9 loss to the Rams, treating it as a wake‑up call to fix a stagnant passing game and turn practice reps into production in Week 2 against Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.

With Ed Ingram and Christian Kirk sidelined, rookies stepped in and Stroud faced heavy pressure (41% of dropbacks) as five linemen shuffled. Houston’s new play-caller and line adjustments must translate to red‑zone efficiency and explosive plays, or the team will lean on practice reps to fuel the bounce-back.

Fantasy takeaway: Stroud’s upside hinges on offensive line cohesion and play-caller rhythm, making Week 2 a critical barometer for his fantasy viability and Texans’ pass-game trajectory.

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.