DeMeco Ryans mentioned earlier this week that every player is on their own schedule regarding injuries. Perhaps the Texans are just giving players an off-day with an extended training camp.
Second-year defensive end Will Anderson Jr. did not participate in drills during Saturday’s practice heading into the off-day. The former No. 3 overall pick wasn’t showing signs of injury, so it could just be a day of rest.
#Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr., apparent day off today. He has been dominant at camp @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 27, 2024
Anderson, the reining Defensive Rookie of the Year, has been terrorizing C.J. Stroud every practice while going up against rookie Blake Fisher and Tytus Howard. Throughout team drills, Anderson has proven to only grow as a pass rusher since taking reps in the offseason with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.
“I always feel like there’s somebody trying to take my position, and there’s somebody always behind me that’s trying to come get what I want,” Anderson said. “I always want to stay on edge, always want to stay in front, always want to stay up to date with whatever I’ve got going on. That was my whole mindset, and that’s my mindset now.”
Running back Joe Mixon showed signs of returning by working out on the side practice field in agility drills. He’s been dealing with a lower-body injury and hasn’t practiced in over a week.
Joe Mixon showing love to the fans. #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/h3yaHGjW66
— Kenno (@Messenger_Kenno) July 27, 2024
Laremy Tunsil, the Texans’ Pro Bowl offensive tackle, still hasn’t been cleared to practice, but he did stop by the practice field to watch a few drills. Tunsil underwent a successful arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason after dealing with the injury throughout last season en route to a division title.
Hey @Brevinjordan, what’s it like going up against #Texans DPOY Will Anderson Jr. & four-time Pro Bowl DE Danielle Hunter.
“It’s terrible! They’re big dudes!”
You can appreciate the honesty in this clip pic.twitter.com/q2ioMv9UOf
— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) July 26, 2024
Linebacker Christian Harris still hasn’t practiced since the start of training camp. Quarterback Case Keenum, who did not practice on Friday, did return for drills.
The Texans have two more practices before leaving for Canton, Ohio, to take the Bears in the annual Hall of Fame Game.