Kendrick

Green

Green has struggled mightily but obviously hurts the Texans’ depth in the interior line. Kendrick Green has replaced him at guard.

In addition to undergoing a successful surgery on his meniscus, Rapoport also reports there were no additional injuries to Green’s knee. Green was acquired from the Steelers in late August and immediately filled in as the Texans’ left guard. In three games, Green allowed four pressures and no sacks, and earned a PFF grade of 58.9. Green is under contract through 2024 and should have a chance to start again for the Texans next season.

The Texans traded for Green prior to the season and now lose the starting offensive lineman for the near future due to a torn meniscus. C.J. Stroud has been throwing behind a banged-up offensive line and that will continue with Green’s absence.

The Steelers used a third-round pick on Green in the 2021 NFL Draft, but have now dealt him to Houston. In his two seasons with the Steelers, Green started 15 games — all coming in his rookie year. Last season, Green was a game-day inactive for all 17 games. He now gets a chance to restart his career with the Texans.

It ends another middling year for Washington, posting a 24/285/2 line on 44 targets while averaging 21 routes per game. After asking for a trade in August, Washington won’t be back with the Steelers as he looks for a clearer path to playing time in free agency. The Steelers activated CB Joe Haden and OL Kendrick Green from the COVID list ahead of Sunday’s finale with the Ravens.

Green (6’4/313) is the instant favorite to replace retired pivot Maurkice Pouncey. Green was a prized local defensive line recruit who stayed home with the Illini, ultimately shifting to the offensive side of the ball a year into his college career. A 33-game starter on the offensive line — 29 at left guard and four at center — Green fires low and quick low off the snap, establishing early dominance by achieving first contact and winning leverage. Green glides quickly to the second level but remains inconsistent finding work immediately and squaring up moving targets when he does. A former wrestler, Green knows how to use his hands at distance in pass-pro, and he knows how to win a grappling match in close quarters. Power is what gives him issues, lacking the muscle to go fire-on-fire with high-end power rushers. Green provides three-position starting interior versatility at the next level with Cody Whitehair upside.