Texans' Howard done for season with knee injury

Houston Texans offensive lineman Tytus Howard will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury, head coach DeMeco Ryans announced Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.

The 27-year-old was placed on injured reserve, officially ending his campaign.

Howard missed the first month of the season with a broken hand but had since started every game at left guard.

He was replaced by second-round pick Juice Scruggs, who made his NFL debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars after being activated from injured reserve ahead of Week 12.

Howard has been a mainstay on Houston's offensive line since being selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

The veteran primarily played right tackle before shifting inside this season but has also been used at multiple spots during his career.

Howard signed a three-year, $56-million extension before training camp.

The 6-5 Texans are in the thick of the wild-card hunt and host a fellow AFC playoff hopeful - the 6-5 Denver Broncos - on Sunday.