Howard was selected by the Houston Texans in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2019 NFL draft.[3] He is the first Alabama State player to be selected in the first round of an NFL Draft.[4] He was placed on injured reserve on November 30, 2019.[5] He started eight games as a rookie, seven at right tackle and one at left guard.[6] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[7]
In 2020, Howard started the first 14 games at right tackle before being placed on injured reserve on December 23, 2020.[8]
The Texans picked up the fifth-year option on Howard's contract on May 2, 2022.[9]
On July 26, 2023, Howard and the Texans agreed to a three-year, $56 million contract extension.[10]
On September 6, 2023, Howard was placed on injured reserve after suffering a broken hand in practice.[11] He was activated on October 7.[12] He was placed back on injured reserve on November 29 after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 12.[13]