Rookie Ervin eager to show improvement
Remaining patient, Texans rookie running back Tyler Ervin is on the hunt for a breakout performance.
Midway through the preseason, Ervin is still looking for an explosive play as the Texans’ primary kick returner and in his role as a reserve running back.
So far, it’s been a case of modest production for the fourth-round draft pick.
The speedy former San Jose State standout returned three punts for nine yards with one fair catch against the New Orleans Saints. He had a 14-yard kickoff return, but he got tackled when he left his feet to try to hurdle a Saints tackler. He rushed for five yards on two carries.
Now, Ervin is excited about another opportunity Sunday in the Texans’ third preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium.
“I’m looking forward to it, it should be a lot of fun,” said Ervin, his school’s all-time record holder for kickoff return yards and touchdown returns with five total kickoffs and punts returned for scores. “I’m coming out here trying to make some plays. I think I left some room to improve this last game. I’m just going to continue to do my best. You want to strive to be the best you can be.”
Signed to a four-year, $2.877 million contract that included a $547,568 signing bonus, Ervin rushed for 1,469 yards and 13 touchdowns last season and excelled in the Senior Bowl all-star game.
“I think it’s just a learning process for me as well as all the new guys that are new to the system,” Ervin said. “I just continue to learn and be on point.”
Game time pushed back
The Texans’ kickoff time Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium has been changed from 3 p.m. to 3:25 p.m.
Kickoff was shifted for television reasons because Fox is broadcasting both the nationally televised games Sunday afternoon.
Clowney shows his potential
After slamming his hands into the chest of New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Andrus Peat as he bull-rushed him into the backfield Saturday night, Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney discarded him and closed in on his target: quarterback Drew Brees.
Clowney sacked the Pro Bowl quarterback for a 14-yard loss, displaying a glimpse of his vast potential after being sidelined for a week with a sore knee.
It was an encouraging moment for the former top overall pick, leaving the Texans coaching staff hoping to see more from Clowney going forward.
“I like the sack that he got,” Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said. “I like that he was physical. It looks like his effort was good. Hopefully, we’ll keep getting that.”
At 6-5 and 265 pounds with 4.53 speed in the 40-yard dash, Clowney is extremely athletic and strong. What he’s been doing in games, though, to create penetration has primarily revolved around his strength and speed. He frequently just employs a bull-rush technique where he shoves the offensive tackle backward or relies on his quickness to try to run around blockers. Rarely does Clowney employ a swim move, rip move or spin move. He keeps it basic, but Crennel emphasized that Clowney possesses pass-rushing moves he hasn’t broken out yet.
“If he can keep running them over and getting sacks, maybe one move will be good enough,” Crennel said. “Everybody in this league is pretty good. He’s going to run into some guys where he’ll have to use some alternative stuff and he has that in his repertoire. He’s been working on it. We’ll keep working and see how good he can become.”
Rookie lineman Heath impresses
Trudging off the practice field Tuesday morning, Texans undrafted rookie defensive lineman Joel Heath was carrying veteran players’ shoulder pads and helmets in addition to his own.
A rookie, especially an undrafted free agent, is never done working even when practice is over.
“It’s part of the game,” Heath said. “I’m just blessed for the opportunity.
“As a free agent, you come in with the mindset to work. I came in here to work and try to earn a spot.”
Heath is making a strong argument for a spot on the Texans’ 53-man roster, if not their practice squad. He chose the Texans over the San Francisco 49ers and three other teams’ contract offers based on their strong history of keeping and developing undrafted free agents.
The Texans also gave Heath an $11,000 signing bonus, the largest amount of their undrafted rookie free-agent class.
The Texans are enamored with Heath’s size, long arms and athleticism.
At 6-6 and 293 pounds, Heath has run the 40-yard dash in 5.02 seconds. He bench pressed 225 pounds 26 times at the NFL scouting combine, where he had a 33-inch vertical leap and a 9-5 broad jump.
Heath has the long arms and big hands teams want from a 3-4 defensive end, measuring in at 34½inch arms and 10½-inch hands.
“Joel in particular, he’s big,” Texans defensive line coach Anthony Weaver said. “Long body, very heavy hands. In drills, when he hits you, you feel it.”
Novak back at practice
The Texans’ health at the kicker position is improving.
One day after both kickers were sidelined with injuries, veteran Nick Novak returned to practice after being cleared under the NFL concussion protocol.
Novak connected on field goals from 56, 52 and 48 yards in practice Tuesday.
Meanwhile, rookie kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn remains sidelined with a quadriceps injury that kept him out of the Texans’ preseason win over the New Orleans Saints.
Signed to a one-year, $971,045 contract in March that included an $80,000 roster bonus, Novak made kicks from 49, 46 and 36 yards against the Saints.
Defensive lineman Brandon Dunn returned to practice.
Offensive tackle Derek Newton is still out with a strained hamstring.
DE Carrington is waived-injured
The Texans waivedinjured veteran defensive end Alex Carrington, terminating his one-year, $760,000 contract.
Carrington’s deal included an injury waiver, so he immediately becomes an unrestricted free agent.
The former Bills thirdround draft pick had a steep learning curve after joining the Texans.
Carrington had previous workouts with the Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns.