‘One of the best tackles in the league,’ Texans’ Laremy Tunsil healthy, ready for season opener against Colts

HOUSTON – Laremy Tunsil was afforded weeks to regain the mobility, flexibility and strength in his surgically repaired knee as the Texans held the Pro Bowl left tackle out of the start of training camp.

Since Tunsil has begun practicing, he’s working his way back into playing form and is no longer in pain. During the season last year, Tunsil managed the injury by having it drained a few times, per sources. He also missed three games and was rested during practices once or twice a week.

Now, Tunsil is back and expressed his gratitude to coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio for the patient, big-picture approach to his recovery instead of rushing him back onto the field.

“First and foremost, I want to say thank you to DeMeco and Nick Caserio for just taking care of me,” Tunsil said. “Coming off an offseason surgery with my knee, got that cleaned up and rolled with the plan that the Texans gave me, so I appreciate it so much.”

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Tunsil reset the market when he signed a three-year, $75 million contract extension that includes $50 million fully guaranteed, $60 million total guaranteed and a $30 million signing bonus.

At a lean 6-foot-5, 313 pounds, Tunsil possesses a rare combination of athleticism, strength, power, explosiveness, technique and discipline. Unlike some hefty 300-pound blockers, Tunsil has a build more in line with a sleek defensive end. There’s an aesthetic aspect to his game. He plays with a distinct style and flow.

“Laremy is one of the best tackles in the league,” Ryans said. “Having him back out here working with us, he’s done a phenomenal job. He’s been a top tackle throughout his entire career, so anytime you get a guy like that of his caliber back, it helps our entire team. Laremy has done a great job out here practicing. He’s looking like himself.

“He’s doing a really great job of leading that group – the o-line group, so I’m happy to see all those guys working together. That’s how you build that continuity. Guys have to be out there and be in the fire together and they’ve been doing it for the last couple weeks.”

While Thursday wasn’t a banner day for the offensive line during a joint practice session with the Los Angeles Rams as Jared Verse, Byron Young and Braden Fiske all had their moments pressuring Texans Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud, Tunsil’s track record inspires a lot of confidence.

Tunsil impressively shut out Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, a Pro Bowl selection, former top overall pick and consensus All-American from Texas A&M regarded as one of the top defensive players in the NFL. Tunsil, entering the matchup, had allowed just one pressure in 40 matchups with Garrett since 2018, according to NextGen Stats, for a 2.5 percent pressure rate that represents Garrett’s worst against any offensive tackle in a playoff victory.

I think his athletic ability is elite,” former NFL offensive lineman Brian Baldinger said in a telephone interview with KPRC 2. “It’s just the consistency. Laremy is really good at tying his guy up and not allowing penetration in the backfield. He maintains his mentality. He has composure. He dealt with years of losing. Some guy can’t handle it. Laremy did.”

Tunsil did something that has happened in just three other games this season for Garrett: no sacks, no hits in a dozen snaps against each other.

The Texans and Tunsil expect him to be ready for a Sept. 8 road regular-season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. Tunsil won’t play Saturday against the Rams, meaning he’ll see no preseason game action. He continues to hone his technique and blocking skills.

“I feel like I’m getting better every year,” Tunsil said. “I’m solid, I’m in a good spot now mentally and physically. There’s some things I always can improve on, of course. Just revving me back up. I should be ready Week One for the Colts.”

Tunsil took exception to Pro Football Focus and CBS Sports’ low rankings of the Texans’ offensive line. He’s not dwelling on it, though.

“Who was the rankings, PFF?” Tunsil said. “I don’t know. I don’t want to say too much on that. But it’s whatever. We just have to go out there and work hard and get it done.”

The Texans return five starting offensive linemen, including Tunsil, left guard Kenyon Green, center Juice Scruggs, right guard Shaq Mason and right tackle Tytus Howard. Rookie swing tackle Blake Fisher got a lot of valuable playing time with Tunsil sidelined.

“He’s a dog, man,” Tunsil said of the second-round draft pick from Notre Dame. “I like Blake, he works hard, he studies hard and he gets it done, man. So, I like Blake a lot.”

And Tunsil will be protecting Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud’s blindside for the second year in a row. Stroud was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year last season

“I think we all see what C.J. is going to be about,” Tunsil said. “His leadership, his skills, we know C.J. is going to get it done.”

The Texans enter the season with high expectations. It’s a difficult standard under Ryans’ leadership embraced by Tunsil.

“Yeah, not everybody can play for this system under DeMeco,” Tunsil said. “I mean, we come out every day, we work hard. You’re going to get the reps, tough-nosed football. If you’re not built for that, don’t come this way.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com