"Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans is returning to Houston from Scottsdale, Ariz., to participate in the Texans' voluntary conditioning program on Monday.

Ryans, who is scheduled to make $1.39 million this year, had been working out in Arizona rather than Houston because he was unhappy with his contract. He fired agent Kirk Wood and hired Ben Dogra, who also represents defensive end Mario Williams.

Dogra persuaded Ryans to report.

"I missed my teammates," Ryans said Thursday. "I'm ready to get with them and lead them and prepare to go to battle with them.

"The adrenalin's already flowing. I think it's best for me to get back and start focusing on football. That's what I do best. I'll let my agent handle my contract."

Ryans rejected an offer in February that would have paid him among the top five middle linebackers in the league. Dogra, the St. Louis-based agent who represents many of the NFL's best players, plans to talk to the Texans after the April 25-26 draft. "