Miller’s timely return a welcome sight for offense
The healthy return of Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller happened just in time for the first game of the regular season.
Sidelined since spraining his ankle against the Panthers in the first preseason game, Miller returned to practice this week and proclaimed that he’s set to play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
With his speed and route-running, Miller could provide a boost to the Texans’ offense while operating as a slot receiver.
“It feels good,” Miller said Wednesday. “I’m getting my work in, getting ready for the game Sunday. It feels a lot better. We were just being precautious and making sure I’m healthy. I’m ready to go.”
A converted quarterback from Ohio State, Miller caught 15 passes for 99 yards and one touchdown as a rookie before being placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
Miller says he’s quickly shedding rust accumulated over this past month.
“I’m good, I’m in shape, crisp routes,” Miller said. “Now, it’s just all about the timing on the plays.”
DE Heath gets starting nod
The Texans moved Joel Heath into the starting lineup ahead of Christian Covington at right defensive end.
Heath missed the majority of the preseason with a hamstring injury suffered during the offseason. He was activated from the non-football injury list prior to the third preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.
“He was out for a while, but he had done a lot last year and we had seen what he could do,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s a tough kid, Michigan State guy. When he got back, he made some plays. He’s a ways away from being fully back, but he was able to go in there and make some plays.”
H-E-B CEO Butt donates $5 million
Defensive end J.J. Watt’s hurricane relief fund received an unprecedented charity pledge Wednesday.
H-E-B chairman and CEO Charles Butt announced a personal $5 million contribution. The fund is now up to over $27 million.
Watt’s initial goal was to raise $200,000. He has gotten several big donations, including $1 million from Jimmy Fallon’s television show this week.
“A donation of $5 million is truly incredible,” Watt said. “There are no words to describe when people step to the plate like that, especially somebody here in our home city, to show that type of leadership and to show that type of commitment.
First injury report ahead of opener
Texans starting tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz is recovering from a concussion. However, he participated fully in Wednesday’s practice and is expected to play Sunday.
Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (thumb), rookie running back D’Onta Foreman (groin) and wide receiver Braxton Miller (ankle) all participated fully.
Wide receiver Will Fuller (broken collarbone) and running back Alfred Blue (high-ankle sprain) didn’t practice and won’t play Sunday.
Rookie corner Virgin released
The Texans cut rookie cornerback Dee Virgin from the active roster with the addition of veteran corner Marcus Burley.
Virgin is an undrafted free agent from West Alabama.
Virgin played one season at West Alabama after transferring from Tennessee-Chattanooga, recording 43 tackles, three interceptions and 5½ sacks for losses last season.