The toll of training camp and the preseason is starting to wear on teams around the NFL.
AFC South rivals Jacksonville and Houston were both hit by setbacks to their offensive line on Tuesday.
In Jacksonville, Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union reports that starting right tackle Eben Britton underwent a “minor” back procedure recently. He hasn’t practiced in more than a week.
We’ve read these injury updates long enough to know that any back surgery is significant and cause for concern. Ganguli’s sources believe Britton won’t miss any regular season time.
In Houston, guards Antoine Caldwell and Kasey Studdard both suffered “serious” injuries. Caldwell, who started seven games last year, has a high ankle sprain and will be out a while.
Studdard’s injury is still being evaluated, but coach Gary Kubiak indicated he’d be out for a while too. Judging by the picture above, it could be worse than Caldwell’s injury.
There was one bit of bright news for Houston. Kubiak “hopes” Arian Foster will return to practice Wednesday after missing a few weeks.