Texans make final decision on Shaq Mason before NFL playoffs

Houston Texas quarterback CJ Stroud wants to fully snap out of his funk in time for the playoffs, but it will be tougher to do so without one of his most experienced offensive linemen on the field. Right guard Shaq Mason, who missed the last two games of the regular season with a knee injury, is unavailable for Saturday The AFC Wild Card game is against the Los Angeles Chargersaccording to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.

Considering the Texans are basically limping into the playoffs, the two-time Super Bowl champion’s inactive tag is rough news. Mason’s production during the 2024-25 campaign left a lot to be desired, as did his own 62.3 Pro Football Focus grade illustrates, but could at least offer a veteran presence in the trenches. While O-Line uncertainty is always unsettling, it is extremely unsettling during the postseason.

The Texans just want to outlast the Chargers

Stroud and a much-reduced forward must figure out how to hold off the hard-hitting Chargers this weekend. The home crowd will provide some help, but it takes good old-fashioned execution to beat a smart head coach like Jim Harbaugh. Houston has the advantage of using last year’s positive trip to the playoffs as a frame of reference. In contrast, LA’s last postseason memory is downright dark, thanks to a historic collapse against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Ultimately, however, the past should not determine the outcome this battle you must win. Stroud needs to get rid of football quickly and find a way to stay on his feet. Excluding a shortened outing in last week’s win over the Tennessee Titans, the 2023 Pro Bowler has been sacked a total of 11 times over his last three full games. If he can improve that pace a bit, it could make a noticeable difference in the Texans’ offensive output.

However, not all the burden is on Stroud. Running back Joe Mixon needs to take advantage of a recent light workload (combined 14 carries over the last two weeks) and find new life at NRG Stadium. Head coach DeMeco Ryans also needs to have a defense ready against Justin Herbert and company. This playoff opener might not be the prettiest, but it could work in Houston’s favor.

In a season plagued by injuries and setbacks, an ugly win will do. Expect Shak Mason to lend his wisdom from the sidelines when needed.