Houston Texans Injury Rumors: Duane Brown Done for Season with Torn Quadriceps Tendon
The Houston Texans had to take a very difficult road just to reach the playoffs and they're hoping to go all out this year. But just like other elite teams prepping for the postseason, they face obstacles along the way, one of which is the injury to Duane Brown.
Houston announced that their left tackle will be undergoing surgery in order to repair a torn quadriceps tendon, an injury he suffered during the Texans' win over the Jaguars, which by the way allowed them to clinch the AFC South.
The Texans coaching staff is reportedly going to tap recently acquired Chris Clark to fill in. The former Denver Broncos tackle was obtained by Houston in a trade back in August. "It's always a bummer when you lose a guy like Duane Brown, he's the leader of our offensive line and we look to him for leadership," Clark said about the guy he's going to replace.
Clark, though, is a worthy substitute, who already started for the team in four games this season. The team will actually be fielding him in as a surprise contributor against the Kansas City Chiefs to open the postseason hostilities with Brown expected to be placed on injured reserve.
The loss of Brown to injury is a very significant one for Houston, since the 30-year-old is a focal point of the team's offense. Drafted back in 2008, he never played for any other team than the Texans. Although still young, he is looked upon by his teammates as a leader and is respected by both fans and the organization. It will be a matter of substantial adjustment on the part of the Texans coaching staff to find a way to win the playoff opener without Brown, and there really is no certainty as to when he can return since surgery is involved.
