Chargers rookie Jamaree Salyer makes most of first NFL start
HOUSTON — In the end, the Houston Texans only really got close to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and his fractured rib cartilage once Sunday. They were credited with one sack of Herbert in addition to a handful of mild pressures during the Chargers’ 34-24 victory at NRG Stadium.
The Chargers slipped rookie offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer into Rashawn Slater’s spot at left tackle and Herbert’s blindside was as well protected as ever. Salyer made his first NFL start a memorable one in replacing Slater, who suffered a season-ending left biceps injury last week.
“He’s a stud, calm, poised, strong,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said of Salyer, who played left tackle in his senior season with national champion Georgia but shifted to left guard with the Chargers until replacing Slater on Sunday. “I’m really proud of him. He can build off it.
“He’s really hard on himself. He’s going to look at the tape and realize he can play better, but now that he’s been out there. … (Houston defensive end) Jerry Hughes is a really quality rusher. I’ve got a lot of respect for (Salyer). He’s an outstanding player. To be able to go out there and hold his own, good start for him.”
Slater was on hand Sunday to cheer on his teammates.
“Tough news for him, but then he’s here helping his teammates out,” Staley said of Slater’s presence during the game. “You can’t minimize that from an intangible standpoint, you know, one of your best players being there for his teammates.”
PROTECTION (PART 2)
Staley also credited the Chargers’ running game with keeping the Texans off balance and away from Herbert. The Chargers rushed for a season-high 81 yards on 27 carries, with running back Austin Ekeler gaining a team-leading 60 yards on 13 carries. Ekeler also scored their first two rushing touchdowns of the season.
“I think commitment to the run game,” Staley said when asked for his key to the protection of Herbert. “I think we were really committed to coming off the football and that helps you. I thought that the fact that we were able to get 27 runs off (Sunday) I think that really helps your passing attack.
“I just felt like we really managed the game from a balance standpoint.”
ODDS AND ENDS
Wide receiver Michael Bandy caught two passes for 49 yards and made a special-teams tackle after the Chargers elevated him from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. He had appeared in only one other NFL game, returning four kickoffs in last season’s loss to Houston. …
Wide receiver Joshua Palmer left the game briefly in the first half because of a foot injury. Staley said Palmer returned to the game after getting his foot re-taped. … Defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day injured his thumb on the final play of the game, but Staley said it wasn’t serious.