Covington hopeful he’ll get nod
Christian Covington delivered a convincing argument during an extensive preseason audition that he deserves to be the Texans’ starting right defensive end opposite J.J. Watt.
The former Rice standout started throughout the preseason and was disruptive at the line of scrimmage, quickly shooting through gaps to finish with seven tackles, one sack and a forced fumble.
Now, Covington is waiting to see if he will be the starting right defensive end in the season opener against Chicago on Sunday. He started at left end in place of Watt during the preseason, while former Cincinnati second-round draft pick Devon Still manned the right end spot.
“Whenever my number is called, I’m ready,” Covington said. “That’s coaches’ decision, but if I’m playing, it’s all good.”
Covington (6-2, 300) finished his rookie season with two sacks, four tackles for losses, four quarterback hits and eight tackles. Playing in all but one game, Covington displayed flashes of power, versatility and skill.
Texans coach Bill O’Brien didn’t indicate whether Covington would start but was complimentary of his development.
“I don’t know who will start at that position on Sunday, but Christian has had a very good camp,” O’Brien said. ‘He worked very hard to become a better player than what he was last year.”
Brown not ready but still upbeat
Left tackle Duane Brown won’t play in season opener as he continues to recover from a torn quadriceps tendon that was surgically repaired in January.
The Texans have Brown on the active roster after activating him from the physically unable-to-perform list because they are hopeful that he will be able to return to play within the first six games.
“It was a great feeling; it’s been a long year,” Brown said. “To be confident and knowing that I’ll be back before (six weeks) is a great deal for me.”
Brown has made major progress over the past month in his mobility and flexibility. He indicated no specific date for when he will start practicing again.
Martin looking at spring return
As soon as Texans rookie center Nick Martin was slammed to the ground during a blocking drill in a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints, he knew he had suffered a serious injury.
It turned out the second-round draft pick from Notre Dame had a high ankle sprain with significant enough ligament damage that it required surgery and forced him onto injured reserve.
With his rookie season over before it ever began, Martin anticipates being ready to participate in offseason workouts and practices in the spring. His recovery time is estimated at roughly four months.
“Absolutely I’ll be back by then,” Martin said. “I’ll be able to do all of the offseason.”
Hunt could have gone elsewhere
When the Texans informed running back Akeem Hunt on Saturday that he was being cut, he was disappointed and contemplated his next move.
Offered practice squad contracts by Chicago, the Texans’ opening-game opponent, along with New Orleans and Kansas City and a few other NFL teams, Hunt ultimately opted to rejoin the Texans on their practice squad.
“I just felt like this was home,” Hunt said. “It felt like a family. I have a foundation with the playbook. I wanted to come back here and work with my teammates.”
Dunn, Cheek join practice squad
The Texans filled their final remaining two spots on the practice squad by signing defensive tackle Brandon Dunn and former Texas A&M offensive lineman Joseph Cheek.
Dunn was released by the Texans on the final cutdown to 53 players.
After being signed off Chicago’s practice squad to the Texans’ active roster in October, Dunn played in 11 games and had seven tackles.
Dunn originally signed with New Orleans after going undrafted.