Omenihu makes most of time
Texans defensive end Charles Omenihu is building a strong batting average despite relatively limited opportunities.
Despite playing just 41 percent of the defensive snaps this season and operating primarily as a situational pass rusher, the former University of Texas standout leads the team with 11 quarterback hits.
A former fifth-round draft pick and Big 12 Conference co-defensive lineman of the year, Omenihu has two sacks, five tackles and two tackles for losses in 11 games with one start.
Since being shut out in the season opener with no tackles, sacks or hits, Omenihu has recorded at least one quarterback hit for 10 games in a row.
“Charles is doing a good job,” Texans defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said. “He still has a lot of ceiling yet to reach in his game. Whatever that ceiling is, he will undoubtedly reach it because he puts the work in. He’s a guy that’s constantly watching film, constantly working on his craft.
“Loves rushing the passer, need to get him to work on his run defense a little bit more, but he’s going to get there because he’s going to put in the work and it means something to him.”
As a rookie last season, Omenihu played 41 percent of the snaps in 14 games and generated three sacks, two forced fumbles, 13 tackles and two pass breakups.
“He’s certainly has some flashes of some great things,” defensive end J. J. Watt said. “I think he continued to improve and get better at that and really carve out a nice role there on third down as an interior pass rusher. I think he’s learning some things. He’s figuring some things out about his game and areas that he can hone in on and continue to develop.
“I think he’s doing a good job and I think he’s going to continue to grow. He’s got some skills and he’s got some ability the he can cultivate and really turn into a nice pass rusher.”
Johnson expected back vs. Colts
Texans running back David Johnson has impressed the coaching staff since returning to practice from a concussion.
Designated for return from injured reserve after missing three games, Johnson is expected to be activated for Sunday’s game against the Colts. Johnson has rushed for a team-high 408 yards with three touchdown runs, averaging 4.0 yards per carry.
“David’s done a great job,” Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said. “He looks great, so look forward to working him back into the mix.”
Defense prepares to face Taylor
The return of rookie running back Jonathan Taylor from the reserve-COVID-19 list provides a major lift to the Colts’ running game.
Taylor, who missed one game when he was deemed a close contact of someone who tested positive, is a two-time Doak Walker award winner from Wisconsin. He’s rushed for 518 yards, 4.1 per carry and four touchdowns and caught 26 passes for 228 yards.
A second-round draft pick from Wisconsin, Taylor has a powerful running style and is difficult to tackle. The 5-10, 226pound New Jersey native rushed for 6,174 yards and 50 touchdowns for the Badgers before declaring early for the draft.
“Obviously, having watched him at Wisconsin throughout his whole career; he’s an incredible running back, had an unbelievable career,” said Texans defensive end J. J.
Watt, a 2011 first-round draft pick from Wisconsin. “Tough runner, hard runner. Just looking forward to the opportunity to get to play against him and after the game I’ll tell him thanks for the entertainment back at Wisconsin.”
Taylor rushed for 2,003 yards and 2,194 yards his final two college seasons.
“He’s big, strong, powerful, fast,” Colts coach Frank Reich said in a conference call. “He’s really been getting better with each game as it goes on.”
Hall has surgery for torn pectoral
Defensive lineman P. J. Hall underwent surgery to repair a torn pectoral.
“Surgery went great!!” Hall wrote on social media. “Road to recovery starts now!”
Hall got hurt against New England and was placed on injured reserve.
A former Raiders second-round draft pick from Sam Houston State, Hall was one of the Texans’ top free-agent discoveries of the season. He started nine games and recorded 34 tackles, one sack, two tackles for losses and two quarterback hits.