Laken Tomlinson opened the season as the Texans’ starting left guard, but the team is moving on three months later. The Texans waived Tomlinson on Tuesday. The 33-year-old will be free to sign anywhere if he clears waivers.
Tomlinson joined the Texans on a one-year, $4.25MM contract last March after dividing the first 10 seasons of his career among the Lions, 49ers, Jets, and Seahawks. He was a consistent and durable starter during that span, coming off the bench in just eight of 163 contests. Tomlinson didn’t miss a game between 2018-24.
Tomlinson was Houston’s top option at left guard during most of his time there, starting in seven of 10 games. However, the Texans replaced him with Jarrett Patterson in Week 10, and Tomlinson was inactive in back-to-back games before they cut him. Pro Football Focus ranks Tomlinson’s 2025 performance a below-average 51st among 79 qualifying guards.
With the playoff-contending Texans parting with Tomlinson, they’re left with Patterson, Juice Scruggs, and Jarrett Kingston as reserves along the interior. Tytus Howard, who has lined up at multiple spots this year, and Ed Ingram are operating as their starting guards.