The Houston Texans selected offensive lineman Tytus Howard in the first-round (23rd overall pick) of the 2019 NFL Draft.

After starting the year at guard, they moved him to right tackle. That's where he's been more of the year now.

However, now the Texans will have to finish out the season without him. As they've placed the right tackle on the Injured Reserve after he tore his MCL.

This is bad, bad news for the Texans. Let's not pretend like Howard is the best offensive tackle in the NFL. However, he's clearly very important to Houston.

The Texans are already not that great in pass protection. Houston has allowed 33 sacks on the year. That's the 11th worst in the NFL. So sure, not absolutely miserable, but nothing to be all that excited about either, especially considering their losing one of their starters.

It also doesn't help looking at their competition. The next game Houston has is against the New England Patriots. New England's defense is fifth in the NFL with 37 sacks.

This is a must-win game for the Texans. If they lose, the season is clearly still alive and their playoff hopes are just fine. In fact, worst case scenario they are still tied for the best record in the AFC South after Week 13.

Still though, this is the hardest game left on their schedule. Losing your starting right tackle right before it does not seem like a great omen.

The good news for the Texans is that they have Deshaun Watson at quarterback. Watson is one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the NFL. If anyone can extend plays and avoid sacks, he's right near the top of that list.

Still though, the loss of Howard stings, and could hurt the Texans in the long run as they try to make a push for a Super Bowl in 2019.