Texans OL takes big shot at Steelers for acrimonious divorce ahead of Week 4 matchup

Houston Texans offensive lineman Kendrick Green wasn't a fan of his short time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he made that abundantly clear on Friday, days before the two teams will square off.  

Green, who began the year with the Steelers, said he was happy to be with the Texans and just as pleased not to be in Pittsburgh after a trade to Houston in August. 

"I'm glad it happened," Green said, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston. "I'm glad I'm not there anymore. Glad to be here on top of that." 

Selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Steelers out of Illinois, Green started 15 games as a rookie but struggled throughout most of his first season. After a position change from center to guard ahead of the 2022 campaign, Green fell out of favor with the Steelers and was inactive for all 17 games. Entering 2023, the Steelers attempted to find a place for Green, even trying him at fullback during training camp, but nothing stuck. 

Green said the Steelers put him in a "tough spot," but they seemingly gave him every opportunity to live up to his third-round stock. 

He'll have another chance to show the Steelers what he can do on Sunday. Green will make his third start this season, thrust into the starting lineup due to a myriad of injuries along the Texans line. 

Entering Week 4, the Texans are one of only nine teams in the NFL to allow double-digit sacks, and it could get much worse with T.J. Watt and company coming to town. Not only will Houston have Green starting, but three more backups will also get the nod, including left tackle Austin Deculus, center Jarrett Patterson and right tackle George Fant.