Texans’ Shaq Mason Returns to Lineup for AFC Divisional Playoff

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Veteran offensive guard Shaq Mason will return to the Houston Texans‘ starting lineup for Saturday’s AFC divisional playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, league sources confirmed Friday. Mason, who suffered a Grade 2 sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his knee during a game against the Chiefs last month, has fully recovered and practiced without limitations this week.

The 31-year-old Mason, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, has started 147 of 152 career games since being drafted in 2015. His return bolsters a Texans offensive line that has faced significant shuffling during his absence. Kendrick Green and Scruggs filled in at right guard, but Scruggs is now dealing with an ankle injury that limited his practice participation this week.

Mason’s experience is critical as the Texans prepare to face the Chiefs’ formidable defense, led by six-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Chris Jones. Jones has recorded five sacks, 20 quarterback hits, and nine tackles for losses this season. “It starts with Chris Jones,” Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said. “He is a really unbelievable football player. He presents a lot of problems to a lot of defenses.”

Mason’s return comes after the Texans restructured his contract during the offseason, converting $8.04 million of his $9.25 million base salary into a signing bonus. The move created $6.4 million in salary cap space and lowered his 2024 cap figure to $5.68 million. His contract includes $22 million in guarantees and up to $500,000 in per-game roster bonuses.

Acquired via trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, Mason signed a three-year, $36 million extension with the Texans. He played a key role in the team’s AFC South championship run last year and brings a wealth of playoff experience, having appeared in 16 postseason games.

The Texans face a daunting challenge against the defending Super Bowl champions, but Mason’s return provides a significant boost to their offensive line as they aim to advance in the playoffs.