Bill O'Brien generally pleased with Texans' makeshift offensive line

The makeshift offensive line the Texans rolled out in their preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers will hardly resemble their regular-season edition.

The Texans were missing three starters, including both starting tackles with left tackle Duane Brown still on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing quadriceps surgery and right tackle Derek Newton sidelined with a strained hamstring. Plus, rookie center Nick Martin was out with a tight back.

Operating behind a line that included backup Chris Clark at left tackle, Xavier Su'a-Filo at left guard, reserve Greg Mancz at center, Justin Allen at right guard and backup Kendall Lamm at right tackle, quarterback Brock Osweiler was sacked once. Lamm was beaten by 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks.

The run-blocking was solid, albeit unspectacular, as the Texans gained 94 rushing yards on 29 carries.

Texans coach Bill O'Brien was generally pleased with what he saw from the blocking.

Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) calls out before a snap during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) less Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) calls out before a snap during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP ... more Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press Image 1 of / 170 Caption Close Bill O'Brien generally pleased with Texans' makeshift offensive line 1 / 170 Back to Gallery

"I thought that Chris Clark played a solid game," O'Brien said. "I thought Xavier for the most part played a solid game. I think you have to give Greg Mancz a lot of credit. Here's a guy that has been really working hard to rehab to get back in there and played a lot of football last night and look, there's a lot of things he needs to improve upon but I thought for not having played in a long time, he went in there and held his own.

"We've been really happy with Jeff Allen. We like what he brings to our offensive line. And Kendall Lamm, look, he was blocking some really good players. He had his moments. He got beat for a sack, had the false start but here's a guy that was undrafted out of Appalachian State last year that I think is getting better and better every time he steps on the field. It's not easy to block Ahmad Brooks for that many plays during a game and I thought he battled and held in there."