Brown ‘optimistic’ about his chances of playing Sunday
Texans offensive tackle Duane Brown missed the entire offseason, training camp and the first six games of the season during the longest contract holdout in franchise history.
Now, Brown is shedding rust and preparing to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
The three-time Pro Bowl blocker is upbeat about his chances of playing days after being reinstated from the reservedid not report list.
“Yeah, I’m optimistic,” Brown said before practice on Wednesday. “It doesn’t take long. Just going out there and getting some work in with the pads on. That will be good for me.”
Brown remains under a two-week roster exemption but can be activated up until Saturday to be eligible to play Sunday.
“Yes, I would say he would have a real good shot to play on Sunday,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said after practice on Wednesday.
Brown has maintained his usual conditioning levels and looks like he’s in good shape. The NFL trade deadline is Oct. 31, but Brown appears poised to resume his usual role at left tackle with Chris Clark sidelined with a strained calf.
“I’ve been doing this for 10 years,” Brown said. “I’ve still got to get used to the techniques and just the day-to-day, but I’m feeling pretty good.”
Fiedorowicz on track to return
Texans starting tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz returned to practice for the first time since being placed on injured reserve with his second concussion this year. He was officially designated for return on Wednesday.
He’s on track to return from a concussion and being activated from injured reserve in the next few weeks.
“He was out there, and it looked pretty good,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “I’d love to have him back. He means a lot to our offense. Great guy, tough guy. It looked like it was trending toward that, yes.”
Fiedorowicz suffered his first concussion during the preseason. He passed a mandatory baseline neurological exam before sustaining another concussion in the season-opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Speedy Jenkins eager to help out
A former track standout in high school and prep football All-American, new Texans linebacker Jelani Jenkins once ran the 40yard dash in 4.4 seconds.
Now, the veteran defensive player is hoping to put that speed to work, along with his ability to absorb the playbook, with his new team.
Jenkins officially joined the Texans on Wednesday following a successful Tuesday tryout that included Akeem Ayers.
“I play fast, I think that’s my biggest thing,” said Jenkins, a former Parade Magazine AllAmerican from Maryland. “I pick up on the defense fast. I’m excited to get out there. From my experience, I bring a little bit of that as well to help out the younger guys.”
The former Miami Dolphins starter and fourth-round draft pick out of Florida was added to the roster following rookie linebacker Dylan Cole sustaining a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
Jenkins has 227 career tackles, three forced fumbles and 3½ career sacks in four NFL seasons. Jenkins had stints with the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders this year. He recently worked out for the Philadelphia Eagles before joining the Texans.
“It’s exciting,” Jenkins said. “I’m thankful for it.”
Johnson limited during practice
Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson was limited in practice Wednesday.
Johnson is expected to make his return to play Sunday after missing the past four games with a Grade 2 sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.
Johnson has been moving well in drills and hasn’t experienced any setbacks.
Inside linebacker Ben Heeney returned to practice and participated fully after being out with a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery.
Center Greg Mancz (knee), safety Corey Moore (concussion) and running back Jordan Todman (calf ) participated fully in practice.