FIVE TAKEAWAYS FROM TEXANS TRAINING CAMP
After taking Sunday off, the players returned to practice Monday. They practiced at NRG Stadium for the first time. With a 2-0 record and Arizona coming in Sunday for a nationally televised game, the starters should play into the third quarter. Here are five takeaways from practice:
1
Perfect pairing: Cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson go together like bacon and eggs. At camp they make so many plays they’re taken for granted. Watching Joseph’s hand-fighting with receiver DeAndre Hopkins in practice is epic. This is their sixth season together and time for them to get recognition for what they deserve, being one of the elite twosomes in the NFL.
2
Blue returns to crowded field: Running back Alfred Blue returned to practice after recovering from a shoulder injury. Blue got some carries and should play against Arizona on Sunday. Watching Blue run reminds us of the logjam at his position. Running back is going to be the toughest cut. There are six backs worthy of making the team. Practice and the last two games will determine who makes the roster.
3
Kickers sidelined: Seldom does a team have both kickers riding bikes in practice, but that happened Monday because veteran Nick Novak (concussion) and rookie Kai’imi Fairbairn (bruised quadriceps) were injured. Novak kicked field goals of 49, 46 and 36 yards in Saturday’s win over the Saints. No kicker has been signed, so the Texans must expect one or both back for Arizona on Sunday.
4
Covington makes strides: The coaches won’t admit it this soon, but if Christian Covington isn’t the starter at right defensive end when the Texans begin the season against Chicago on Sept. 11 it’ll be an upset. Covington has been terrific since he reported for the offseason program. He makes plays in practice and carries it over to the game. He’s improving as a pass rusher and against the run.
5
Peters excels on special teams: Inside linebacker Brian Peters is a dynamite special-teams player. Last season, his first with the Texans, Peters established himself as one of the best special-teams players in the NFL. When he gets on the field, Peters makes plays. At 6-4, 240, Peters can run, and he’s smart. In practice he’s all over the field. He can stuff the run and do well enough in coverage.