Brown passes conditioning test, likely to start Sunday
The Texans are expected to activate left tackle Duane Brown from the exempt list, make him part of the 53-man roster and put him in the starting lineup at Seattle.
Brown, playing in his 10th season, ended his holdout this week and participated in practice. The holdout cost him $3.87 million in fines for missing seven weeks, including six games.
“The big thing is conditioning,” coach Bill O’Brien said Friday. “He passed our conditioning test, which isn’t easy to do, and he looks to be in great condition.
“He’s a special player. I think it’s really in his mind, where does he feel like he’s at? He hasn’t played football in a while. How does he feel about where he’s at from a technique standpoint?”
If Brown wants to be traded, he’ll know by Tuesday at 3 p.m. because that’s the NFL trade deadline.
Hopkins earns leadership role
Last week, receivers coach John Perry praised DeAndre Hopkins for his leadership role. Hopkins, who has 37 catches for 387 yards and six touchdowns, takes a lot of pride in that role.
“I’ve been the No. 1 receiver on this team for a couple years now,” he said. “That’s my mentality every day. When I wake up, get out of bed, that’s my role.
“Hopefully, (other receivers) learn from the way I practice, the way I play (and) my mentality every day in this locker room.”
Which sounds like Hopkins’ is echoing what he learned as a rookie from Andre Johnson.
Cole won’t play, Clark doubtful
Three players — left tackle Chris Clark (calf ), inside linebacker Dylan Cole (hamstring) and inside linebacker Jelani Jenkins (hand) didn’t practice Thursday.
Cole won’t play. Clark isn’t expected to play against Seattle.
Defensive end Joel Heath (knee) was the only player limited on the injury report. He’s expected to play.
Reader shows improvement
The coaches can’t say enough good things about second-year nose tackle D.J. Reader. He anchors the middle of the line and has played so well he continues to earn praise from defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel.
“I really like where D.J.’s at,” Vrabel said. “I think he’s a solid force inside — good pad level, explosion, hands, technique. You’ve got to do a good job if you want to block him.
“He’s playing square in the run game. I like his physicalness. I think D.J. understands his importance to our defense, and if he plays well inside, that gives us a good chance to be stout in there.”
Martin draws high praise
Center Nick Martin anchors the offensive line and has to communicate with rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Martin has played well on an offense that ranks third in rushing and averages 29.5 points a game.
“The center position is so important, especially to us, with the communication that he leads up front and the running game that starts with the quarterback and then it goes to him and he solidifies it all,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s a really bright guy. He’s very tough, very strong.
“It was unfortunate that Nick got hurt last year, but he learned a lot. Left tackle’s a premier position in this league because you’re blocking for a righthanded quarterback, and you’re blocking the blind side. But center is just as valuable in my opinion.”