The Texans released second-year offensive lineman Martinas Rankin, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.
Drafted in the third round a year ago out of Mississippi State, Rankin plummeted on the depth chart. He started at right guard Thursday night during the Texans' preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams at NRG Stadium. Playing in a meaningless game was not a good sign.
Rankin was expected to compete for a starting job during the offseason.
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Instead, Rankin trailed behind Senio Kelemete, last year's starter and the projected backup left guard behind rookie starter and first-round draft pick Tytus Howard, along with versatile center-guard Greg Mancz.