With two games under their belt, the Houston Texans have updated their unofficial depth chart on both sides heading into Wednesday's joint practice against the Carolina Panthers. For the most part, it looks the same. The offensive line features the projected four starters in Aireontae Ersery, Wyatt Teller, Ed Ingram and Keylan Ruteldge. But for the second straight week, the Texans have the right tackle spot listed as Braden Smith or Trent Brown.

This is the second day that both tackles have made the list despite Smith seeing a majority of first-team reps. Brown started seven games for Houston last year at right tackle after beginning the year on the injured reserve. Though he wasn't perfect, there was potential with the veteran right tackle locking down the bookend side opposite Ersery.

Houston still felt like it needed an upgrade, which is why it was aggressive in landing Smith on a two-year deal. The former rival spent eight seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and eventually became one of the staples on the revamped offensive line. Smith started 13 games at right tackle in 2025 before missing the rest of the season with an injury. Over the past four seasons, he's missed at least two games per season.

Surprisingly, the other change comes at depth for left guard. Teller might be listed as the starter, but as the Texans took the field last week for a matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Rutledge had taken over at left guard, allowing Evan Brown to see reps at center. Both Brown and Rutledge have played center and guard in the past, but in the new depth chart, the former was listed as a backup guard while Rutledge remained at center. Depending on Teller's performance this Friday, Houston could be shifting Brown to center and Rutledge back to his original guard spot. Defensively, there are zero changes from the projected starting role. Second-round pick Kayden Mc Donald, who is expected to be a factor in the rotation, was listed with the second-team defense. For the first time since 2024, there's legitimate depth behind Jalen Pitre at the nickel position. Both Allijah Huzzie and Brandon Codrington are listed as depth behind him. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT this Thursday at Reliant Stadium.