Veteran Scott Quessenberry started all 16 games in which he appeared for the Houston Texans a season ago. The veteran former fifth-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers was expected to man the starting center spot heading into the 2023 season.
That’s now no longer in the cards. According to Aaron Wilson of a local NBC affiliate in Houston, Scott Quessenberry suffered a torn ACL and MCL during Texans training camp practice. He’ll miss the entire 2023 season.
Long-term injuries to starting offensive linemen are always a big deal. For a Texans squad that could very well trot out rookie No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud as its starting quarterback Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, that’s magnified even further.
Quarterbacks share a special relationship with their centers. It’s all about communication and being on the same page. It’s one of the most underrated and important relationships on the football field. Young signal callers also tend to rely even more on their centers.
A product of Ohio State, Stroud is currently battling it out with third-year quarterback Davis Mills to be the Texans’ Week 1 starter. While No. 1 pick Bryce Young has already been named the Carolina Panthers starter and No. 4 selection Anthony Richardson is taking majority of first-team reps for the Indianapolis Colts, Houston is not willing to commit to Stroud as QB1.
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Led by first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, Houston wants to put Stroud in a position to succeed once he ultimately takes to the field. Sure, the youngster displayed flashes during the offseason program, but the rebuilding Texans must look long-term here.
Impact of Scott Quessenberry’s injury on C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans’ QB decision
With Quessenberry now lost for the entire 2023 season, Houston will likely turn to rookie Juice Scruggs as its starting center. The team traded up for the Penn State product in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
It’s less-than-ideal to have a rookie center and quarterback starting together. Though, Scruggs displayed confidence in his ability after joining the Texans this past spring.
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“I’m bringing physicality,” Scruggs said. “I’m bringing somebody that’s going to come off the ball every play and give everything you got, every snap. “I’m trying to be as physical as possible, trying to outbattle the guy in front of me. Whatever it takes, I’m trying to win I’m just ready to learn, ready to get dive in the playbook, get going. I’m just ready to go, can’t wait.”
While losing an experienced starting center is a big deal, the rest of Houston’s offensive line should be able to make up for it. Laremy Tunsil is one of the best left tackles in the NFL. The recently extended Tytus Howard continues to do work on the right side. Meanwhile, Kenyon Green and Shaq Mason provide stability at guard.
In short, this injury is unlikely to impact the Texans’ decision-making process.