HOUSTON – The Houston Texans are hitting the field Wednesday for their first day of training camp amid dozens of changes.
Among them is former Detroit Lions first-round draft pick Laken Tomlinson, joining the defending AFC South champions as their left guard, serving as a vital part of a dramatic overhaul of the Texans’ offensive line.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio broke all this down during a news conference Wednesday morning.
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Speaking of which, veteran running back Joe Mixon will be eased into practice drills and increase his activity gradually at the start of training camp, but his medical outlook is positive as he enters his second season.
Mixon is on the non-football injury list with an ankle injury that sidelined him during the spring.
The Texans aren’t concerned about Mixon’s availability at this time for a season-opener against the Los Angeles Rams on the road at Sofi Stadium. The Texans plan to take a big-picture approach to Mixon’s status, but he hasn’t been ruled out for the start of the season.
“Not going to put any timetables on anything,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “We’ll deal with it. We have 90 players here. Some are able to practice and some aren’t. At some point they will be able to practice. So as far as what it looks like once the regular season starts, probably a long way away from that. So, I think it is important for everybody to go out and establish their level of play, their performance, take advantage of their opportunities.
“This camp is going to be about competition. That’s what it’s going to be about. The roster will sort itself out. The Rams are one of the best football teams in the league. It’s going to be a big challenge in front of us. We understand what that is. There is a balance of got to get the team ready, but also kind of have our sights set in front of us with the first opponent, which will be a significant challenge for sure.”
With Mixon sidelined, Nick Chubb and Dare Ogunbowale worked with the first-team offense.
Placed on the active physically unable to perform list: Denico Autry (knee), Derek Barnett, Trent Brown (patellar tendon), Eli Cox, Tank Dell (knee surgeries), Foley Fatukasi (shoulder), Kurt Hinish, K.C. Ossai, Dameon Pierce (quadriceps), J.J. Taylor (plantar fasciitis), Jimmie Ward (foot surgery).
Placed on the active physically unable to perform list: Denico Autry (knee), Derek Barnett, Trent Brown (patellar tendon), Eli Cox, Tank Dell (knee surgeries), Foley Fatukasi (shoulder), Kurt Hinish, K.C. Ossai, Dameon Pierce (quadriceps), J.J. Taylor, Jimmie Ward (foot surgery).
While linebacker Christian Harris is active after missing the majority of last season with a calf injury and being sidelined in the spring, he didn’t do much at practice as he worked out on the side.
“Come out here, work hard, be the best version of yourself each day,” Caserio said of Harris. “Don’t put any timetables on it. Christian has played a lot of good snaps for us here. Whenever he’s ready to play and help the team, that’s the focus.”
The Texans made the signing of cornerback Arthur Maulet official, it’s a one-year deal.
They waived rookie corner Keydrain Calligan.
Rookie corner Alijah Huzzie (anterior cruciate ligament torn during East-West Shrine all-star game) is on the non-football injury list.
Caserio acknowledged the tragic, deadly floods that struck the Texas Hill Country.
“It’s devastating,” Caserio said. “To see the support that people have received from not only the Texans but throughout the state of Texas, it’s heartwarming. It puts everything in perspective.”
The Texans girls flag football team from Austin won the NFL flag football championship.
“It just goes to show you the growth of not only our sport but the interest in flag football, kids of all levels, all ages, boys, girls,” Caserio said. “It’s cool to see that. So, there is definitely significant growth.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
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