INDIANAPOLIS -- Texans veteran offensive tackle Marcus Cannon underwent season-ending back surgery to repair a herniated disk that was causing sciatica symptoms, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
Cannon was placed on injured reserve a week ago and won't play again this year as his recovery time is roughly three months, per sources.
Charlie Heck has replaced Cannon, 33, a three-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots acquired in an offseason trade, in the starting lineup at right tackle.
With Cannon injured after playing every snap during a 40-0 road loss to the Buffalo Bills, Heck operated as the Texans' first-team right tackle against the Patriots last week and now going forward.
A towering former fourth-round draft from North Carolina at 6-foot-8, 308 pounds and the son of Kansas City Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck, Heck was called the most improved player on the roster by Texans coach David Culley during training camp.
Heck started one game and played in three as a rookie last season. This year, Heck looks like an entirely different player following a full offseason of training unlike last year during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic.
Heck tested positive for COVID-19 in September, opening the door for Cannon to become the starting right tackle for the first four games.
Now, it's Heck's job.
Aaron Wilson has covered the NFL for 20 seasons, including the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. He has previously written for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. He’s on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL and Instagram: @aaronwilson7128.
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