Jackson eager to play after hamstring injury
After missing the last two games against Minnesota and Indianapolis because of a hamstring injury, cornerback Kareem Jackson is eager to return to the starting lineup Monday when the Texans play the Denver Broncos on national television.
Jackson is returning at the right time. The overtime victory over the Colts proved costly because they lost second-year cornerback Kevin Johnson for the season with a broken foot.
“It feels good to be back, to be playing with the guys again,” Jackson said after practice Friday. “I’m feeling great, and I’m eager to go.”
Jackson will be in his usual spot opposite Johnathan Joseph. This is their sixth season starting together.
A.J. Bouye moves up a spot to replace Johnson.
“It’s always tough when you have to watch your guys play, especially last week with the way the game unfolded,” Jackson said about the come-frombehind victory over the Colts. “I wanted to be out there competing. Being the competitor I am, I always want to be out there doing whatever I can to help.”
Osweiler learns from experience
In his four seasons with Denver, quarterback Brock Osweiler started only seven games, all last season when the Broncos won Super Bowl 50.
Osweiler, who is 9-4 as a starter, including 3-0 in overtime, learned a lot playing behind Peyton Manning.
“I was extremely fortunate to be able to spend four years with Peyton,” he said. “I think everybody in this (media) room and in the National Football League would say he’s second to none. What he was able to accomplish as a player, teammate and leader in the community is truly unbelievable. I made sure I took advantage of that.
“As an athlete, you’re never staying the same. You’re either getting better or you’re getting worse, so every single day, I’m always trying to get better.”
And more consistent. The Texans want to see the Osweiler who completed 13 of 15 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns on the last three series of the overtime victory over Indianapolis.
Coach Bill O’Brien said there are no holes in Osweiler’s preparation, nothing that’s keeping him from the consistency he’s striving to reach.
“That’s actually kind of the riddle we’re trying to figure out,” Osweiler said. “It seems like we have really good practices throughout the week. Going into the Saturday night meetings, everyone is really honed in on their job and what they need to do to be successful on Sunday.
“Then we do some things where you look at the tape and just kind of shake your head. We’re looking for answers to figure out a way to be more consistent. I (believe) if we all just focus a little harder and focus on our job and trust our teammates around us, I think we’ll get this thing going in the right direction.”
Four out but Fuller back
Safety Quintin Demps (calf ), running back Jonathan Grimes (ankle), linebacker Brian Peters (quad) and cornerback Kevin Johnson (ankle) won’t play against Denver. Johnson will be placed on injured reserve.
Limited in practice were guard Oday Aboushi (shoulder), defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (wrist), receiver Will Fuller (hamstring) and outside linebacker John Simon (shoulder). All are expected to play against the Broncos.
Coach Bill O’Brien said Friday that Fuller, who didn’t play against Indianapolis, will return against the Broncos.
Super prayer from Smith
Denver coach Gary Kubiak told a funny story this week about Texans defensive end Antonio Smith, who won a Super Bowl ring with the Broncos last season.
Before the Broncos beat Carolina in Super Bowl 50, it was time for the team prayer in the dressing room at Levi’s Stadium.
“In the pregame locker room, we always take a knee and say a prayer,” Kubiak said. “Our chaplain, Luther Elliss, leads us all the time. We were pretty antsy.
“We all hit a knee and grabbed hands, and I said, ‘OK, Luther, go ahead.’ There was total silence, and I said, ‘Luther, go ahead.’ There was total silence.”
Kubiak found out what was causing the silence.
“Then the whole team heard him (Elliss) and Antonio praying in the shower, so he held us up for about five minutes. He’s something else.”
Broncos to honor Fletcher at game
Former outside linebacker Simon Fletcher, who grew up in Bay City, starred at the University of Houston and became one of the NFL’s most ferocious pass rushers during his 11-year career in Denver, will be honored at halftime Monday night.
Fletcher, kicker Jason Elam and safety John Lynch will be inducted into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Fletcher (1985-95) recorded 103½ sacks with the Broncos. From 1989-93, Fletcher (66 sacks) and Reggie White (67) were the only players who reached double digits during that span. Fletcher (1992-93) and Demarcus Ware (2007-8 with Dallas) are the only players in history to register a sack in 10 consecutive games.
LB Cushing receives praise
This week, defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel discussed inside linebacker Brian Cushing’s leadership and how important it is to the team.
“Brian is one of the leaders on the team,” Crennel said. “The linebacker position has some innate leadership things that happen. Brian has been a leader, signal caller, and he takes his job serious. He takes playing serious. What he brings to the table as far as his intensity and what playing the game well means for him and to us, that just still burns in him. I think it will burn in him as long as he can play the game.”
Crennel likes the way Cushing works with the younger players.
“He’ll pull some of the young guys aside and talk to them about a play or about a read,” he said. “What he sees, what they should be looking for, and that’s one of the big ways he helps them.”