Houston Texans' rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald had a very strong training camp and will hopefully be playing in the Texans’ season opener.
Entering Week 1, the second-round pick out of Ohio State is currently listed as questionable from an ankle injury he suffered in the final days of camp.
Between McDonald, Tommy Togiai who played in 15 games with Houston last season, Sheldon Rankins who played in all 17 games last year, Logan Hall who was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the past four years and Mario Edwards Jr who is going into his twelfth season, thee's quality depth on the interior.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans is excited about the Texans’ ability to trust the defensive tackle position.
DeMeco Ryans on the Week 1 matchup vs the Bills:
“We’re excited for our 2026 Texans to showcase what we’re all about against a really good opponent. It’s gunna be a great matchup. You guys get ready for a really good football game. They’re a really good team, they’re coached… pic.twitter.com/zO8TDLdTJD
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) September 9, 2026
“Kayden's come along really good. He's improved each week,” Ryans said. “He's gotten better with what we've asked him to do. Still a young, ascending player, but he's done a good job with what we've asked him to do. He has more to him than just being a run player. I feel like we have a really good rotation with our defensive tackles. We have some depth there, probably the best depth that we've had since I've been here. I'm just excited with that group, with the different amount of guys we can mix in, have different combinations out there. I think it will be a really strong part of our defense this year.”
If Houston is going to win its season opener against the Buffalo Bills, the defensive tackles will need to step up to help contain quarterback Josh Allen and the rest of Buffalo’s offense, which narrowly defeated the Texans in a 23-19 loss last season.
Kickoff is scheduled for Noon CT.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans Ryans talks rookie DT Kayden McDonald, defensive depth ahead of opener
