Texans, Steelers Offensive Linemen Face Key Injuries in NFL Openers

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans are facing significant challenges with injuries and performance concerns on their offensive and defensive lines early in the 2025 NFL season. Texans center Jake Andrews suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1, sidelining him for multiple weeks and forcing the team to rely on rookie Jarrett Patterson, while other key Texans offensive linemen are also injured, disrupting their offensive line consistency. The Steelers' left tackle Broderick Jones struggled in their season opener, allowing multiple sacks and pressures, with head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledging the offensive line's poor performance, and potential replacements are being considered. Defensively, the Steelers lost safety DeShon Elliott to a knee injury during the opener, a considerable blow given his role as a top tackler, exacerbating the team's existing injury problems on the defensive line. Meanwhile, the New York Jets enter their season opener shorthanded due to several inactive players, and the Steelers secured a last-minute contract deal with All-Pro Cam Heyward, a key defensive player whose presence significantly impacts the team's run defense. Additionally, Jets offensive tackle Chuks Okorafor, a former Steeler, is questionable due to a hand injury, potentially affecting the Jets' depth against Pittsburgh.