Texans Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil returns to game after examining ankle injury

Texans Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil left the game with a left ankle injury in the first half Sunday, and returned in the second half after being examined in the locker room.

Tunsil, the Texans’ $75 million man, injured his ankle in the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He limped off the field under his own power. First, Tunsil was examined on the bench by head athletic trainer Roland Ramirez before entering the blue medical tent, then headed inside the locker room for further examination.

He was replaced at left tackle by rookie second-round pick Blake Fisher.

Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs was examined for a facial injury, but it was not serious and he returned to the game.

The Texans Pro Bowl left tackle is one of the best pass blockers in the NFL.

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Tunsil has a pass blocking grade of 82.2 this season, according to Pro Football Focus. He had a pass blocking grade of 91.4 against the Vikings, allowing no sacks, pressures, hurries or hits. He hasn’t allowed any pressure since the season-opening win over the Indianapolis Colts when he was blamed for two sacks by the analytics site. He had a pass-blocking grade of 85.4 last season and a career-high 91.7 grade two years ago.

He was heavily criticized this week on social networks and on sports radio for his multitude of penalties. Some have even suggested that he be benched, which is obviously not going to happen and is not in the best interest of the team from a competitive standpoint.

“That’s what comes with the game,” Tunsil said Friday. “There are people on the outside who really don’t know much about the game, but that’s okay. We must continue to work, sort out the details, be faithful to our missions. Next play mentality, no matter what. Pre-snap penalties, illegal formations, play-next mentality, whatever happens.

Tunsil reset the tackle market by signing a three-year, $75 million contract extension, including $50 million fully guaranteed, $60 million total guaranteed and a $30 million signing bonus.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and 313 pounds, Tunsil possesses a rare combination of athleticism, strength, power, explosiveness, technique and discipline. Unlike some big 300-pound blockers, Tunsil has a build more consistent with a sleek defensive end. There is an aesthetic aspect to his playing. He plays with a distinct style and flow.

“Laremy is one of the best tackles in the league,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said during training camp. “Having him back here to work with us, he’s done a phenomenal job. He’s been a great blocker throughout his career, so any time you get a guy like that back of his caliber, it helps our whole team.

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Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.