Texans Finally Signal A Real Fix For C.J. Strouds Biggest Problem

With fresh talent and renewed focus, Ed Ingram projects a turnaround for the Texans' offensive line under the guidance of coach Cole Popovich.

The Texans spent the offseason reshaping their offensive line, and Ed Ingram sounds convinced the work is already paying off.

Ingram, who came over from the Vikings in a trade and then played well enough to land a three-year extension, is one of the returning pieces on a group that looks very different from the one Houston rolled out in 2025. The line now includes expected starters Wyatt Teller at left guard and Braden Smith at right tackle, while first-round pick Keylan Rutledge is in line to take over at center.

Houston didn’t stop there. The team also added guard Evan Brown and used a fourth-round pick on Febechi Nwaiwu, giving the room more depth around Ingram as the unit worked through the offseason program under position coach Cole Popovich.

“The offensive line, we have gelled together quite well,” Ingram said, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC. “I feel like Pop has got a good group of guys in a room together.

We are all like-minded and all have one common goal, which is just showing each and everybody that the line here, that it’s changed. We’re doing a complete 180, and we’re a different line, we’re a different unit, and that the team can rely on us to run behind us, block for C.J. and we’re going to have a great year.”

The buzz around Houston’s offense has been building throughout the offseason, and the real test comes in September, when the Texans get their chance to show whether all that turnover has actually turned into something better up front.

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