WR Coutee trying to work way back after being benched
Texans wide receiver Keke Coutee is determined to earn his way off the bench after being replaced by DeAndre Carter.
Although healthy and active against the Jaguars and Raiders, Coutee didn’t play because of mental mistakes and a dropped pass in the fourth quarter against the Colts that was intercepted.
Coutee said he’s accepting the constructive feedback from coach Bill O’Brien and receivers coach John Perry and is working hard to improve.
“We’re at a good point,” Coutee said. “Obviously, I’ve just got to focus on details and do what I need to do to be ready to play when my number is called.
“It’s always been important. Know the details, it’s more than just routes. I just focus everywhere I can and make plays when my number is called.”
Coutee has played in six games with three starts and has 13 receptions for 154 yards on 22 targets. He had one rushing touchdown on an option pitch against the Colts.
Against the Colts, though, Coutee made some mistakes that cost him his status in the offense.
As a rookie last season, Coutee caught 28 passes for 287 yards and one touchdown while battling hamstring problems.
Coutee said he has leaned on older players like DeAndre Hopkins and Carter to help him.
“Just alignments, just being clear in what I do and making quick decisions from the slot because it’s more noticeable than from the outside,” Coutee said. “Just being more clear in what I’m doing.
“I’m a very coachable guy, so just take it to the next level as best I can.”
Gipson, Fuller back at practice
Free safety Tashaun Gipson expects to make his return Sunday against the Ravens after being sidelined the past two games.
Gipson injured his back against the Colts. He returned to practice Monday.
Wide receiver Will Fuller returned to practice from a strained hamstring suffered against Indianapolis.
In seven games, Fuller has 34 catches for 450 yards and three touchdowns on 49 targets with a 13.2 average per reception.
“Having a healthy Will Fuller is no question a positive for the Houston Texans, helps everybody in the room, helps the team,” receivers coach John Perry said. “We’re excited to get the opportunity to have him back in the second half of the year.”
DE Heath rejoins roster
The Texans re-signed veteran defensive end Joel
Heath and cut offensive tackle Dan Skipper.
Heath is a former Texans starter who was released prior to the start of the regular season. He has 34 career tackles and three sacks in three NFL seasons with the Texans. Heath has worked out for several teams, including the Patriots and Colts.
Skipper was signed previously off the Patriots’ practice squad. He played extensively against the Colts but struggled overall at pass blocking.
The Texans worked out defensive tackle Caraun Reid, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.
Reid, 27, is a former Lions fifth-round draft pick from Princeton. He has 46 career tackles and 3½ sacks.
Thomas on clock after rib injury
Tight end Jordan Thomas returned to practice Monday, starting his three-week window to be activated from injured reserve-designated to return.
Under NFL rules, Thomas has to be activated by the end of the three weeks or remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season. Thomas cracked his ribs in the preseason.
Weeks in running for military honor
Long snapper Jon Weeks was nominated for the annual NFL Salute to Service award.
Presented by the NFL in partnership with the USAA, the award honors the league member who demonstrates an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community.
Weeks’ grandfather served in the Army during World War II and the Korean War, and his father served in the Air Force for 15 years. Weeks and his wife, Amanda, regularly attend military appreciation events hosted by the Texans. Last year, they volunteered to serve a Thanksgiving meal to over 200 veterans at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.