Houston is considering offensive line changes after falling to 0-2 with a 20-6 home defeat to Cincinnati. Coach DeMeco Ryans discussed the issue Wednesday at the Houston Methodist Training Center. C.J. Stroud was pressured on 45.5% of his dropbacks when the Bengals used man coverage, while Houston gained its 18 rushing yards on 12 carries.
Right tackle Trent Brown received scrutiny for his pass-blocking problems. Blake Fisher, Notre Dame's 2024 second-round selection, is a candidate to start after displaying mobility and strength in training camp. Wyatt Teller also could move into a full-time guard role beside rookie center Keylan Rutledge. Houston has not announced whether Fisher or Teller will start Sunday against Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Colts will be without receiver Alec Pierce, who went on injured reserve because of a heel injury, Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen said. The team signed veteran receiver Darius Slayton and placed Eli Pancol on its practice squad. Josh Downs, Keenan Allen and rookie tight end Tyler Warren remain receiving options, with Taylor described as an underneath threat.
Houston is awaiting the official status of Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins, who has a hamstring issue. Houston previously won the AFC South after 0-2 starts in 2018 and 2023. The winner Sunday will have a 1-0 division tiebreaker record, while the loser will be 0-3, since no AFC South team has played a division game entering Week 3.