Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler will take snaps from someone other than Nick Martin this season.
Martin, who was selected in the second round of this year’s NFL draft, was expected to enter the 2016 campaign as Houston’s starting center, but it now sounds like the 23-year-old rookie will miss the entire season with an ankle injury that required surgery, according to multiple reports.
Sources told ESPN on Thursday that Martin is expected to miss four months, which, in theory, means he could return at some point later in the season. NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport painted a darker picture, though, reporting that Martin isn’t expected to return at any point this season.
Source: #Texans center Nick Martin recently underwent ankle surgery from Dr. Robert Anderson in NC. He’s expected to miss the 2016 season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 25, 2016
Plenty of frustrating things about #Texans C Nick Martin's surgery. Worst thing is, he was playing great. They loved him. Now out for 2016
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 25, 2016
This injury is a big blow to Houston’s offensive line, as Martin — the younger brother of Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Zack Martin — had impressed the Texans’ coaching since being selected 50th overall out of Notre Dame back in April.
Martin suffered the injury last week during a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints.
Thumbnail photo via Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports Images
