While the Houston Texans are headed to the AFC Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, one of their star players could be limited in Saturday’s showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Offensive lineman Shaq Mason returned to practice for the first time since Week 16’s loss against the Chiefs after suffering a knee injury on the opening drive. Houston determined that the severity of the injury wasn’t a season-ending issue, but it would require him to rest for several weeks.
On Thursday’s walkthrough, Mason was listed as a full participant, thus signaling a step in the right direction.
Here’s the latest on Mason ahead of Saturday’s showdown between the two AFC contenders in Kansas City.
Shaq Mason injury update
According to KRPC2 Sports Aaron Wilson, Mason is not only expected to play but the veteran is also expected to start at right guard against Kansas City. During his absence, the Texans started Juice Scruggs at right guard for the past two games while Tytus Howard took over as the starting left guard due to injury.
Scruggs has an ankle injury that sidelined him for one of the three practices this week heading into the rematch against Kansas City and is still working his way back to full strength.
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Texans RG depth chart
Here’s a look at the Texans’ running back options should Mason suffer a setback or leave the game at some point due to aggravation.
- Juice Scruggs
- Kenyon Green
- Kendrick Green
- Austin Deculus
- Nick Broeker
Shaq Mason stats
Mason, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, started the first 15 games of the season before injuring his knee against the Chiefs and causing the Texans to shuffle their line for the fourth time this season.
He has started 147 of 152 career games since being drafted in the fourth round out of Georgia Tech in 2015.