Hargreaves tries to be quick study

Newly acquired cornerback Vernon Hargreaves is taking a crash course on the Texans’ playbook.

Hargreaves’ status for Sunday’s game is still being determined, according to defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. Crennel was noncommittal on if Hargreaves will play.

A former first-round draft pick from Florida, Hargreaves was claimed off waivers Wednesday from the Buccaneers. He attended extra meetings Thursday to try to learn as fast as possible. Hargreaves wasn’t on the field at practice Thursday during the portion open to reporters.

“He’s been a starter and he’s played in the league, so you can take a starter and put him into the game,” Crennel said. “Now, will he know all the communication that’s necessary and all that? That’s the issue, that acclimation that I’m talking about.”

Hargreaves drew criticism from Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians, who cited a lack of effort from the former 11th overall pick of the draft. Perhaps a fresh start will jump-start his career.

“It depends on why there is a change of scenery, but generally the change of scenery gives the player a different perspective,” Crennel said. “A lot of times players who move and go to a new place, they get reinvigorated because it’s new and if the new team will put whatever is in the past in the past and just boom, ‘Look at my work that I do for you.’ Then, they feel like they can do good work and have an opportunity to find a spot.”