Veteran offensive tackle Charlie Heck will miss a few weeks of training camp due to a flareup of plantar fasciitis in his foot. Heck, who is 27 years old, underwent testing on Tuesday after being sidelined during camp. Heck, a fourth-round pick for the Texans in 2020, has played in 41 games, starting in 21. Last season, he appeared in six games, starting in four for the Texans.
In response to Heck’s injury, the Houston Texans are signing offensive tackle Cameron Erving. Erving, who was a standout player for the Florida State Seminoles’ national championship team, was selected 19th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2015 NFL Draft. In 2017, the Browns traded Erving to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he later won Super Bowl LIV. Erving has also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers. Over his career, he has played in 98 games and started in 58. Last season, the 31-year-old played in three games for the Saints, starting in two.
Evaluating Erving’s performance last season, Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 49.0. His pass-blocking received a much better grade of 70.5. In 120 pass-blocking attempts, he allowed just one sack and four pressures.
Erving’s signing provides the Texans with much-needed depth at the offensive tackle position while Heck recovers from his injury. With Erving’s experience and skill, he stands a good chance of securing a spot on the 53-man roster. However, once Charlie Heck returns from his injury, a competitive battle for the starting position is expected. As a homegrown talent, Heck holds significant value for the team, making the decision to potentially cut him a difficult one for the coaching staff. The addition of Erving ensures that the Texans will have capable options on their offensive line, whether Heck is ready to return or not.
