Houston Texans 2026 Training Camp Position Battle to Watch

NFL teams have wrapped up their respective organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps, and after a near month-long break, they'll pick things back up near the end of July for training camp.

The first preseason game takes place on Thursday, Aug. 6 on NBC when the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals face off in the Hall of Fame Game. The rest of the preseason's first week will take place from Aug. 13-15, followed by Week 2 on Aug. 20-23, and Week 3 on Aug. 27-29.

But before the preseason gets underway, teams must first report to training camp. The Houston Texans haven't announced the exact day they report to camp, but below is their biggest position battle to watch this summer.

Position Battle: Center | Jake Andrews vs. Keylan Rutledge vs. Evan Brown

The Texans' offensive line is undergoing some serious revamping this offseason.

The team parted ways with former first-round pick Tytus Howard and former second-round pick Juice Scruggs, and though incumbent Jake Andrews is returning, it's possible he may not even have a spot on the roster when training camp is over with, according to Bleacher Report's Moe Moton.

"The Houston Texans sent a clear message to Jake Andrews, who started in 16 games last season," Moton wrote. "They did it with the addition of veteran interior offensive lineman Evan Brown [and] rookie first-rounder Keylan Rutledge.

"Clearly, Houston wanted to find a potential upgrade at center. Brown [and] Rutledge can compete for snaps at that position, which puts Andrews at risk of losing the starting job and perhaps a roster spot."

The 29-year-old Brown is an experienced veteran with 68 starts under his belt across even seasons. He's allowed two or fewer sacks in every season but one, and he's allowed more than 27 pressures in a season just once as well.

Conversely, Rutledge played in 48 games across four years in college, allowing just three sacks, 36 pressures, and 29 hurries. He's a natural guard, but he's impressed during Houston's offseason program, and some are convinced he may just be the best bet at center of the group.

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This story was originally published June 21, 2026 at 6:29 PM.