The Houston Texans have a big game coming up on Sunday as they go on the road to face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Texans are coming off a crucial 20-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13, which improved their record to 7-5 on the season. Houston will now be looking to carry its momentum into Sunday’s matchup against the mighty Chiefs.
The Texans, however, let go of one of their more reliable options on the offensive line on Tuesday. This is after the team decided to waive the contract of Pro Bowl guard Laken Tomlinson.
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Houston Texans guard Laken Tomlinson (75) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.© Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Tomlinson joined the Texans in the offseason on a one-year contract worth $4.25 million. Houston signed him via free agency after the veteran spent last season with the Seattle Seahawks. The Texans brought Tomlinson in to shore up their offensive line. The 33-year-old was the team’s starting guard to open the season, getting the nod to start in seven out of Houston’s first nine games of the campaign.
Tomlinson, however, is no longer the star guard he used to be. He was named a Pro Bowler in 2021 while with the San Francisco 49ers, but the former Duke Blue Devils star has seen a significant decline in his pass blocking through the years. This season was no different, with the Texans ultimately opting to keep Tomlinson on the bench in their last two games.
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On Tuesday, the team decided to release Tomlinson. Senior ESPN reporter Adam Schefter broke the news on social media.
“Texans waived veteran OG Laken Tomlinson. The team and Tomlinson were said to come to that decision today and he now will go on waivers,” Schefter posted on X.
Houston’s offensive line was a significant issue for the team last season, giving up the third-most sacks in the entire NFL. The Texans signed Tomlinson with the objective of addressing these issues, but things did not exactly go according to plan. The decision to waive Tomlinson is an indication of the team’s intention to continue rebuilding their o-line, with a specific focus on younger options.
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Tomlinson is now expected to enter free agency once he clears waivers. He will be free to sign with any team for the rest of the season.
As for the Texans, a win on Sunday against the Chiefs will go a long way in their fight for a playoff spot. Houston is currently third in the AFC South and eighth in the conference. The Chiefs are in desperate need of a win as well following their tough loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day.
Sunday’s primetime kickoff from Arrowhead Stadium is scheduled at 8:20 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.