Houston Texans C Nick Martin likely out for season

Nick Martin went from the starting center of the Houston Texans to staring at a rookie season on injured reserve due to an ankle injury.

Martin, the 50th pick in the 2016 draft, was slated to start for the Texans this season. But a severe ankle injury suffered in a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints last week is likely to cost Martin the entire season.

Martin is expected to undergo surgery and be placed on season-ending IR.

A replacement for Martin could be on the roster, but if the Texans try veteran Tony Bergstrom and second-year center Greg Mancz this week and find they need to add competition, Houston will mine final roster cuts before the season begins on Sept. 11 against the Chicago Bears.