The Houston Texans head into Sunday’s trip to Nashville with another question hanging over an already shaky start: starting left tackle Aireontae Ersery missed Friday’s practice because of an illness.
That development matters because Houston has spent the early part of the season trying to keep C.J. Stroud upright while searching for its first win of 2026. The Texans are 0-4 after a 34-30 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, a game in which Stroud delivered one of his better outings but still couldn’t get Houston over the line.
Ersery has been a fixture for the Texans so far, starting all four games this season. That makes his availability especially important for an offense that has had trouble finding any real rhythm. Protecting Stroud has been a top priority, and losing the left tackle would only make that job tougher.
A missed practice on Friday does not guarantee Ersery will be out on Sunday, but the timing adds uncertainty with kickoff approaching. Houston will have to monitor him closely as it prepares for a divisional matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
The Texans have already dealt with offensive line issues through the opening stretch of the season, and the group still needs to become more reliable. That includes helping create a steadier running game and giving Stroud enough time to work from the pocket.
If Ersery is unable to go, Houston would need another answer at left tackle and likely some shuffling along the line. Even if the replacement holds up, any change at that spot can affect the way the unit communicates and works together.
The Texans can’t afford many more slips as they try to dig out of the 0-4 hole. Tennessee also entered the weekend without a win, giving Houston a chance to reset its season against a division opponent.
Stroud’s performance against Dallas offered some reasons for encouragement. He threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns, but the Texans still came away empty. Now they need that production to lead somewhere before another setback starts to pile up.
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