Texans OL Kenyon Green ready for breakout Year 3 after early setbacks

Two years into his career and most Houston Texans fans have no idea what version of Kenyon Green will take the field in 2024.

Will it be the one that made him a two-time All-American and first-round pick out of Texas A&M in 2022?

Will it be the one who struggled to maintain blocks against pass rushers at left guard and allowed five sacks in his rookie season?

Will he even see the field this fall after missing all of 2023 with a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason?

Year 3 is a crossroads for Green’s career at NRG Stadium, but early results are promising coming out of training camp. DeMeco Ryans was impressed with Green’s progression during OTAs.

He doubled down on that sentiment Friday morning.

“The first two days, I’ve seen a guy who’s in shape and a guy who’s ready to compete,” Ryans said. “That’ll give him his best chance to put his best film out there. We’ll see, but Kenyon, he’s available, so that will allow him to grow and become a better player. He’s done a great job in the offseason of working out [and] being attentive to all the details the coaches have asked him to take care of—he’s been on it. So, this gives him a chance.”

Green’s best ability will be his availability. That’s been a concern since the Humble product took first-team reps in College Station under Jimbo Fisher.

Despite playing in 15 games as a rookie, Green dealt with a lingering knee injury suffered leading up to training camp that required surgery early the following offseason. A year later, his shoulder cost him valuable reps in what was supposed to be a surging sophomore campaign.

There are no winners and losers two days into training camp, but there’s progress. Green’s won in that category heading into the weekend. Not only does he look leaner, but he’s been more agile through reps while working with the first-team offense.

The hope is for Green to start at left guard, thus leaving a competition at center to round out the starting five. Barring an injury,

Tytus Howard will return to his natural right tackle spot after missing eight games last season with multiple injuries.

Four-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil is working off to the side due to a knee injury, but he’ll be good to go come Week 1 against the Colts.

Shaq Mason isn’t in jeopardy of losing his spot after being the only lineman to start every game for Houston last season.

Even though general manager Nick Caserio wants to hit on every draft pick, Ryans has the final say in the roster. Green, for now, will remain with the first-team offense, but he’ll have to earn the title of starter when the pads come on next week.

“Kenyon has the right mindset,” Ryans said. “He’s working hard, he’s working the proper way, so I’m excited to see how he continues to grow once we get pads on and once we play in games.”