Head coach DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans suffered a blow in practice on Wednesday. Texans rookie defensive lineman Kyonte Hamilton went down with an injury. After further testing, Hamilton is expected to miss substantial time.
Hamilton was the No. 224 overall pick of the draft, not typically a spot where teams find immediate impact players.
However, that does not diminish his loss of availability.
“Texans rookie defensive lineman Kyonte Hamilton suffered a serious lower left leg injury and was carted off the practice field Wednesday morning after his leg was immobilized in an air cast,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson wrote on July 30. “Hamilton is scheduled to undergo surgery Thursday afternoon and is expected to require a recovery time of roughly four months and be placed on injured reserve, per a league source.
“Hamilton got hurt Wednesday morning during a full-team drill and was down on the ground for several minutes receiving medical attention. Practice became silent as teammates prayed for Hamilton. He was then taken off the field inside to the training room for further evaluation. A magnetic resonance imaging exam revealed the extent of the damage.”
Hamilton is in Year 1 of a four-year, $4.3 million contract with the Texans. He joins a team looking to secure a third straight AFC South title.
Texans DL Kyonte Hamilton a Project
GettyKyonte Hamilton #48 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights sacks Mx Brosmer #16 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Pre-draft profilings of Hamilton noted that the Texans’ rookie had more to offer. There were also questions about his ability to avoid being buried on a depth chart.
“Recruited as a wrestler initially, Hamilton has become a steady, durable defensive lineman. He plays with a nice blend of quickness and athleticism to circumvent blocks on the move,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote before the draft.
“However, he’s not a forceful upfield penetrator and has issues playing with consistent technical savvy to anchor his gap against force. Hamilton’s rush production has been modest but he flashed more in 2024. He’s a good athlete with room for more development but might not find the reps needed in camp to take that next step.”
ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime also noted Hamilton’s most likely path to a roster spot.
“Hamilton is projected to be a rotation or practice squad player as the Texans develop him throughout his rookie contract,” Bien-Aime wrote in April. “He played in 51 games throughout his college career and totaled 110 tackles, including 11 for loss with six sacks.”
Texans’ Weak Spot Takes Hit
GettyTim Settle Jr. #98 and Will Anderson Jr. #51 of the Houston Texans react after a stop against the Chicago Bears.
Hamilton’s injury is significant, given the Texans’ defensive tackle rotation looms as a potential hindrance.
ESPN’s Mike Clay called them the Texans’ “biggest weakness.”
“Tim Settle Jr., Mario Edwards Jr., Folorunso Fatukasi, Tommy Togiai and Kurt Hinish all return from last season’s group; the only significant addition was 31-year-old Sheldon Rankins,” Clay wrote on July 21. [Denico] Autry will factor in, though he’s entering his age-34 season and has primarily aligned at edge. No one from this group cleared 31 tackles or posted an above-average PFF grade in 2024.”
The Texans boast a strong pass rush and a sticky secondary. Their potential weakness up the middle can be exploited. It also funnels plays inside. There, they have a capable and deep stable of linebackers.
Still, the sooner the Texans can get Hamilton back in the fold, the better.
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