Aaron Wilson reports the Texans are releasing Mason normally, which is notable because they could have designated him as a post-June 1 cut and freed up $9.4 million in cap space this season. They will instead save only $2.1 million. Mason started all 32 games he appeared in for the Texans over the last two seasons and earned a 62.3 PFF blocking grade. Far from the player he was during his days in New England, Mason will hunt for a stopgap starting role in free agency.

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik told reporters earlier today that “the offensive line combination and whether to start Shaq Mason or Juice Scruggs” (ankle) in the right guard spot will be debated all week. The Texans’ offensive line continues to be an issue but the Texans evidently expect to have both players available this week, which is a plus.

Both offensive offensive guard Juice Scruggs and wide receiver John Metchie will play after coming into the weekend listed as questionable. Scruggs should slot into the starting lineup for the absent Mason while Metchie should return to a starting role alongside Nico Collins on the perimeter. The Texans look to complete the rare home dog upset in the Wildcard Round against the visiting Chargers.

The interior of the offensive line became an issue against the Chiefs in Week 16 as the Texans struggled to sustain drives. Running back Joe Mixon averaged 4.1 yards per carry as well, which is right at the seasonal average allowed by the Chiefs. That’s bad news for a team fighting for playoff seeding with a matchup against the Ravens in Week 17, who are one of the only teams in the league to allow fewer yards per carry than the Chiefs in 2024.