Laken Tomlinson: The Houston Texans stunned fans by waiving veteran offensive guard Laken Tomlinson on December 2, 2025, just days before their pivotal Week 14 showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. The 33-year-old, who signed a one-year, $4.2 million deal with $2.5 million guaranteed during the offseason, had been a healthy scratch for the team’s last three games after losing his starting role.
This decision highlights ongoing tweaks to Houston’s underperforming offensive front, as the squad sits at 7-5 and clings to playoff hopes in the AFC South. Tomlinson, a former Pro Bowler, started seven of the first ten contests, logging a 41% snap share before being sidelined.
Performance issues plagued Laken Tomlinson’s stint with the Texans, where Pro Football Focus ranked him as the second-worst pass protector on the team and third-lowest overall among blockers. While he showed some strength in run blocking, the unit as a whole ranks dead last in run block win rate and 28th in pass block efficiency, contributing to Houston’s 23rd-place rushing attack.
The move follows a rotation with rookie Juice Scruggs and a shift of Tytus Howard inside, signaling coach DeMeco Ryans’ push for better protection around quarterback C.J. Stroud amid a season marred by line struggles.
Drafted 28th overall by the Detroit Lions in 2015, Laken Tomlinson built a solid career with stops at the San Francisco 49ers, where he earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021 under then-assistant DeMeco Ryans, followed by the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks. His release marks the second major offseason departure for Houston this year, after trading safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson post-Week 3. As a vested veteran, Tomlinson is likely to clear waivers and hit free agency, potentially drawing interest from teams needing interior line depth before the playoffs.
For the Texans, waiving Laken Tomlinson underscores a commitment to internal youth and adjustments, like elevating Jarrett Patterson, as they battle injuries and inconsistencies. The roster spot remains open without an immediate addition, but the timing suggests confidence in current depth. Fans will watch closely if this gamble pays off against Kansas City, where a stronger line could propel Houston deeper into postseason contention amid a competitive AFC landscape.