Expectations are raised for every player once NFL training camps begin, as everyone — from veterans to rookies — is expected to prove their worth to their respective coaching staffs. The Houston Texans aren't an exception to that trend, and one player whom fans wanted to see an elevated summertime effort from was offensive tackle Blake Fisher.
Drafted 59th overall by the Texans last year, Fisher went on to have a forgettable rookie season that was a constant source of frustration among fans. It turns out that the 22-year-old blocker's struggles have bled into this year's camp, proven by his being removed from Monday's practice after picking up a false start penalty.
Houston fans who hoped for a stronger performance from Fisher the next day will likely be left disappointed following the latest update.
Texans OL Blake Fisher Removed from Practice for 2nd Straight Day
Fast forward 24 hours, and history has repeated itself.
According to Houston reporter Chancellor Johnson, "Fisher was called for a false start" again during Tuesday's practice, forcing the Texans to "immediately" replace him with Zach Thomas. What's even worse is that Fisher's blunder came while practicing with the second team, meaning he even looks out of place with the backups.
During team drills, while running with the 2s, Blake Fisher was called for a false start.
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) July 29, 2025
Texans immediately subbed him out for Zach Thomas.
Although Fisher was far from reliable in 2024, he was only called for three penalties with all three being for offensive holding. The fact that he's now been pulled on back-to-back days due to false starters suggests a new issue might be brewing.
In the 15 games (5 starts) he played as a rookie, Fisher was frustrating to watch more often than not. The ex-Notre Dame product surrendered 28 quarterback pressures (12 hurries, 9 QB hits, 7 sacks) across 305 passing downs, and finished with underwhelming Pro Football Focus grades when it came to:
- Offense: 44.7 (2nd-worst among eligible OTs)
- Pass blocking: 46.7 (5th-worst)
- Run blocking: 43.8 (2nd-worst)
There were concerns across the entire Texans' offensive line before training camp started, and Fisher's poor performance hasn't done much to silence the doubters. Fortunately, things are going more promisingly for the first-team unit.
The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren reported that the starting OL "gave (QB C.J. Stroud) time to throw the ball," with Aireontae Ersery and Cam Robinson being named as standout performers. If things continue in that direction, it'll be even tougher for Fisher to snag some significant snaps.
Even though he still has three years remaining on his rookie contract, Fisher's future in Houston is far from secure. Failing to turn things around in training camp, and especially in the regular season, could see him booted from the Texans' future plans sooner rather than later.