I keep on hearing the criticism of O'Brien not starting Mancz at C last year after his 2016 success. Let me see if I can't shed some light on what some call "stubbornness" on the part of O'Brien to utilize Mancz.
When Mancz arrived to Houston in 2015, he did not participate in mini-camps and OTAs because he was still recovering from the surgery to repair his torn labrum. He did not officially suit up for the Texans until training camp of his rookie season. During that time, he played both guard and center, which was a big plus given the versatility Bill O’Brien sought from his players. Making the initial 53-man roster when training camp broke, Mancz was active three games before injuring his knee in practice in late October and was placed on IR. Much like the 2015 season, Mancz arrived to 2016 mini-camps and OTAs rehabbing an injury, this time his knee. He performed admirably well in 2016, enjoying an injury-free status throughout the season.
Last season Mancz was not so fortunate injury-wise. In a practice prior to the week 4 practice, he re-injured his knee, an injury for which caused him to miss week 4, 5, 6, and would not have been able to play in week 7, but this was the Bye. He tried to play in limited capacity in week 8, but his knee kept him out of week 9. He then tried to return again in week 10, but was again limited by his knee, but then not only aggravated his knee, but also sustained a re-injury of his repaired shoulder.........leading to him missing week 11 and 12. These 2 injuries dogged him the rest of the season.