While he plays on the other side of the offensive line from Kenyon Green, Shaq Mason knows what improvement looks like when watching the film.
As a former late-round pick who transformed into a full-time starter with the New England Patriots, he knows reps are earned in this style of football.
Entering their third preseason game, Mason has kept an eye on the former 2022 first-round pick as he enters a crucial year. Fully healthy for the first time since being drafted 15th overall by the Houston Texans, Green looks well on his way to starting at left guard Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts.
It’s not out of necessity. He’s earned the right to start.
Juice Scruggs on Tytus Howard & Shaw Mason:
Tytus: looks good coming off injury
Shaq: probably most UNDERRATED olineman in the league 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/PpruCjVbSq
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 26, 2024
“He’s just a whole new player and I mean, I know that’s going to help him take that next step as a player,” Mason said following Tuesday’s practice.
Green, a former two-time All-American at Texas A&M, hopes to be the long-term option up the middle and a factor in a successful ground game, though nothing’s promised after two underwhelming seasons.
As a rookie, Green dealt with multiple ailments to begin his career. He started 14 games and struggled to build a rapport as a pass blocker, finishing with a 34.4 PFF grade.
Green missed the entire 2023 season after suffering a shoulder injury in the preseason finale against New Orleans. After that, things changed in his workout regimen and diet. He became committed to putting the pieces back in line for a healthy 2024 season.
#Texans G Shaq Mason @ShaqDiesel_70 on the O-Line Coordination. #ADMAXKORNER @admaxkorner @TheHRReview #HoustonTexansTrainingCamp pic.twitter.com/KavJMwZjr2
— Adolphus 'AD' Moore (@ad_moore64) August 14, 2024
“He worked hard all offseason,” Mason said. “He changed his diet, his study habits.”
Sunday marked the first time that the Texans’ projected starting offensive line worked drills together in training camp following the return of Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard.
Tunsil will command the left side and take pressure off Green at left guard. Howard, who’s looking to perform after agreeing to a new deal before the start of training camp last year, will remain at right tackle and pair next to Mason. Second-year center Juice Scruggs will finally return to his natural position.
For weeks, the Texans have been mixing players in different spots to fill gaps due to injuries. Back together as one, Mason sees the vision, but it takes one day at a time to put it all together.
“We can be very good,” Mason said. “We can be. It’s good to have everybody out there just getting on one accord, practicing together.”
Should starters once again see action on Saturday, Green, Mason and the rest of the Texans’ first-teamers will take on the New York Giants in their preseason home opener at noon CT.
