When assessing which players are most likely to be benched by the Houston Texans, several factors come into play, including performance, health, and coaching decisions. Here are three players who might find themselves on the bench, based on recent trends and evaluations:
### 1. **Davis Mills (Quarterback)**
Davis Mills has shown flashes of potential, but his performance has been inconsistent. The Texans have invested in building a solid roster around him, including drafting C.J. Stroud in the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud’s presence raises questions about Mills’ future as the starting quarterback. If Mills continues to struggle with accuracy or decision-making, the coaching staff may turn to Stroud or another backup option to provide a spark. The Texans are in a phase of rebuilding and evaluating their talent, so a change at quarterback is always a possibility if Mills doesn’t demonstrate the necessary growth.
### 2. **Laremy Tunsil (Left Tackle)**
Laremy Tunsil is a Pro Bowl-caliber player and one of the top left tackles in the league when healthy. However, Tunsil has struggled with injuries in the past few seasons, and health concerns could impact his role. If he remains sidelined or unable to perform at his best, the Texans might have to rely on backup options like Juice Scruggs or other offensive linemen who can step in. The Texans have invested heavily in their offensive line and need it to be solid for their young quarterback and running game. If Tunsil’s performance is compromised due to injury or other issues, he could find himself benched temporarily to ensure he’s fully recovered or to test other combinations on the line.
### 3. **Jonathan Greenard (Edge Rusher)**
Jonathan Greenard has shown promise as an edge rusher, but consistency has been a concern. He has struggled with injuries and has yet to put together a full, healthy season. If he fails to stay on the field or doesn’t produce at a high level, the Texans might explore other options on the defensive line. Players like Will Anderson Jr., a highly touted rookie, might see increased roles if Greenard’s performance doesn’t meet expectations. The Texans’ defensive scheme depends on effective pressure from the edge, so any drop-off in Greenard’s play could lead to him being benched in favor of other emerging talents.
### Summary
The Houston Texans are in a period of transition, with a focus on evaluating their roster and building for the future. This means that players like Davis Mills, Laremy Tunsil, and Jonathan Greenard could find themselves on the bench if their performance or health issues do not align with the team’s needs. The coaching staff is likely to make adjustments based on performance and the evolving dynamics of the team, which could result in these players seeing less playing time or sitting out in favor of others who better fit the team’s goals.