Houston Texans News

Three-time Pro Bowl CB Glenn signs with Texans, then retires
Comment
July 29
Houston Chronicle
 
"Three-time Pro Bowler and former Texan cornerback Aaron Glenn retired as a Texan on Wednesday. "Houston is where it all started for me back at Aldine Nimitz, and it's fitting for me to end my career right here," Glenn said. Glenn, who was born in Humble, had a news conference that was more celebratory than it was somber. He signed a one-day contract that allowed him to retire with the team that he played three seasons with from 2002-04. Glenn was selected with the third pick of the expansion draft in 2002, and he returned to the Pro Bowl that season after previously earning the honors in 1997 and 1998 with the New York Jets. "During the early days of our franchise, we were concerned about"
Texans look for big boost inside the 20
Comment
July 29
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans coaches had a brief vacation between organized team activities and training camp, but offensive coordinator Rick Dennison spent most of his time studying film and tweaking his playbook. Last season, the Texans were one of the NFL's best teams at getting to the red zone, but they put up mediocre numbers when it came to getting in the end zone. Their offense ranked fourth in yards but 10th in scoring. As the primary play caller this season, Dennison has the task of improving the efficiency inside the opponent's 20-yard line. "Scoring in the red zone is predominantly a matter of execution," Dennison said. "It has nothing to do with bad luck, as some people might like to think." In"
Texans agree to terms with fourth-round pick Graham
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July 28
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans have agreed to terms with tight end Garrett Graham, the fourth-round pick from Wisconsin. Graham signed a four-year deal worth $2.59 million. The deal includes an $800,100 signing bonus. Graham will make salaries of $320,000 his first year, $405,000 his second year, $490,000 his third year, and $575,000 in the final year of the contract."
Entering ninth season, Texans finally appear teeming with enough talent to find their place in the NFL sun
Comment
July 25
Houston Chronicle
 columnist John McClain
"No one has to tell Gary Kubiak about the enormous pressure that goes with the high expectations the Texans have entering his fifth season as coach. When the Texans begin training camp Friday at their Methodist Training Facility, they will be focused on making the playoffs for the first time. "I don't feel any more pressure than I always do," said Kubiak, who signed an extension through 2012 after last season. "I know expectations are high. Shoot, my expectations are high, too." Owner Bob McNair, general manager Rick Smith, Kubiak, the assistant coaches and players are targeting one thing — reaching the playoffs. They came close last season but missed out the last week despite finishing"
McNair to players: Show me passion
Comment
July 25
Houston Chronicle
 
"I begin the interview by asking Bob McNair the one or two most important things he has learned in nine years as the owner of an NFL franchise. His answer may surprise you because while he has learned plenty about coaches and strategy and the like, he essentially has learned he'd like to have more players like Brian Cushing. He loves DeMeco Ryans, too. He loves what Antonio Smith and Bernard Pollard have brought to the Texans and is a huge fan of Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, etc. But he loves Cushing. Loves how much he cares. Loves how hard he works. McNair could fill a book with all the things he has learned in the 11 years since he was awarded a franchise, but having players who care as"
Spencer keeping the dream alive
Comment
July 22
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Richard Justice
"Charles Spencer passed every test that first summer with the Texans. Looking back on it four years later, there's no telling how good he would have been. He was strong, tough and smart — gifted in so many ways. He remembers the day Texans offensive line coach Mike Sherman summoned him to his office and explained why he'd been so hard on him. "I believe you're a Pro-Bowl player," Sherman told him. Spencer was overwhelmed at times that first summer, and until that moment, didn't know if the Texans loved him or were about to throw him out in the street. He smiled Wednesday as he remembered it all. He proved himself with his quickness and strength, and now, as he clings to a flickering NFL"
Texans are No. 1 when it comes to the hearts and minds of Houston
Comment
July 20
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Richard Justice
"Are we a football town again? Maybe we've always been a football town but just got distracted by the baseball team for a couple of years . That's easy to do when the owner of the NFL team packs up the gear and moves to Tennessee. A thing like that will kill the interest in a team almost every time. Right now, I've got our four professional major league teams ranked this way in terms of their places in the hearts and minds of fans: 1. Texans 2. Rockets 3. Astros 4. Dynamo Feel free to argue. Cards and letters are welcome. So are boxes of chocolate chip cookies. I was going to throw the Longhorns and Aggies onto the list just below the Rockets, but someone mentioned that they're not actually"
The next level: Houston Texans always seem to be chasing it
Comment
July 16
USA Today
 
"Things were looking pretty good for the Houston Texans.They ended last season on a four-game winning streak. At 9-7, they had the first winning season in franchise history and narrowly missed making a maiden playoff voyage. With quarterback Matt Schaub coming off a career year and a solid draft in the books, everything was set up for coach Gary Kubiak's team to ride that momentum to a memorable 2010 season. Then the calendar turned to May. First linebacker Brian Cushing, the NFL's defensive rookie of the year, was hit with a four-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance in the fall. Next, star wideout Andre Johnson, unhappy with his contract, skipped a couple of"
Texans agree to terms with 7th-round pick Dickerson
Comment
July 15
Houston Chronicle
 
"With 15 days remaining until training camp begins July 30, the Texans have six of their nine draft choices under contract. Cornerback Kareem Jackson (first round), running back Ben Tate (second) and tight end Garrett Graham (fourth) are the only unsigned picks. Receiver Dorin Dickerson, the seventh-round pick, agreed to a four-year deal worth $1.85 million on Wednesday."
Texans open up practices to fans, announce drawings
Comment
July 14
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans fans will be able to watch six practices during training camp, including the first four that will be open to the public beginning July 30. Free tickets to the six open practices are available to fans who go to www.houstontexans.com. One prime-time practice on Aug. 5 is included. Meanwhile, the Texans announced a drawing for fans to buy tickets to the Dallas Cowboys game on Sept. 26 and the Monday night game against Baltimore on Dec. 13. The Texans will have a blind drawing to select 25 who have the first chance to buy tickets to the Dallas game. One hundred fans can buy tickets to the Baltimore game. Fans can register for the drawing by going to www.houstontexans.com"
Former Oilers linebacker Hunt dies
Comment
July 11
Houston Chronicle
 
"Former Oilers linebacker Daryl Hunt died of an apparent heart attack Friday night. He was 53. Hunt was the head of security at Grocers Supply Company. He was a two-time All-America selection at Oklahoma and the Oilers' sixth-round pick in 1979."
Briggs on Cushing: 'Cheaters rarely prosper'
Comment
June 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"Lance Briggs hopes to earn All-Pro status for the fourth time with a strong 2010 season. How he made the '09 squad doesn't much matter to him now. Briggs replaced Houston Texans rookie Brian Cushing as a second-team All-Pro at outside linebacker after Cushing was suspended for testing positive for using a performance-enhancing drug. Associated Press writers had a re-vote in May, and Briggs and Steelers linebackers James Harrison tied for the second-team spot after Cushing's misstep. "Cheaters rarely prosper," Briggs told the Tribune, referring to Cushing. "I don't know what the whole deal was, but I just know he did things you ain't supposed to do." Teammate Brian Urlacher felt the same"
'Every day is like Father's Day'
Comment
June 20
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Richard Justice
"Father's Day at Texans punter Matt Turk's house is complicated and emotional. It's a day to remember and be thankful, a day when tears and laughter both flow freely. Turk is willing to tell the whole story of why Father's Day is so special, every last bit of it, from smothering heartbreak to unbridled celebration. He wants to tell it, too, because there are lessons about faith being tested and prayers answered. Some prayers aren't answered, and if there's anything to be learned from this journey, maybe this is it. "You have a choice when that happens," Turk said. "You can either get closer to God or let it push you away from God." Recounting the road is still tough, and as the memories"
Texans promote three executives, add pair of scouts
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June 19
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans have promoted three front office executives, and they have added two scouts. Chris Olsen, who's involved in contract negotiations and oversees the salary cap, was promoted from director to vice president of football administration. Lloyd Richards, who's in charge of training camp, team travel and game-day operations, was elevated from director to vice president of football operations. Mike Maccagnan, who has been part of the personnel department since 2000, was promoted to assistant director of college scouting. Mike Ackerley, who spent the past 10 years in the Titans' personnel department, was hired as a college scout. Larry Wright was hired as a pro scout."
Four draft picks remain unsigned
Comment
June 18
Houston Chronicle
 
"Four picks unsigned Now that the offseason program has been completed, the Texans still need to sign four of their nine draft choices — cornerback Kareem Jackson (first round), running back Ben Tate (second), tight end Garrett Graham (fourth) and receiver Dorin Dickerson (seventh). Guard Shelley Smith, selected in the sixth round from Colorado State, is the latest pick to sign. He received a four-year contract worth $1.894 million. Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (third round), outside linebacker Darryl Sharpton (fourth), cornerback Sherrick McManis (fifth) and receiver Trindon Holliday (sixth) are under contract."
Can Texans mold athlete into a WR?
Comment
June 18
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Richard Justice
"Texans coach Gary Kubiak's first piece of advice for rookie wide receiver Dorin Dickerson couldn't have been simpler. Find Andre Johnson. Follow Andre Johnson. Be like Andre Johnson. Yes, even those extra sprints. How does that sound, rook? "I was very excited," Dickerson said. The Texans don't know if greatness will follow. Dickerson is one of this summer's more intriguing players, but intriguing doesn't always translate into a happy ending in the NFL. Dickerson hasn't played wide receiver since his freshman year at Pitt, but he has the benefit of learning a new position from the NFL's best. Dickerson is the living, breathing example of what a seventh-round draft pick is supposed to be."
Texans sign Smith, make roster moves
Comment
June 17
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans agreed to terms on a four-year contract with guard Shelley Smith, a sixth-round pick from Colorado State. Smith, whose deal is worth $1.894 million, was the first of 11 personnel moves the team made Wednesday. The Texans also signed three free agents who had been brought in for tryouts: tight end Derek Fine, fullback Justin Griffith and receiver Bobby Williams."
Kubiak impressed by DT Sheppard
Comment
June 17
Houston Chronicle
 
"When asked what player impressed him the most throughout OTAs and mini-camp, coach Gary Kubiak mentioned defensive tackle Malcolm Sheppard. Sheppard (6-2, 280 pounds) was signed in May as an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas. Kubiak noted his physicality and athleticism and said the team was "lucky to get him." "I'm not trying to put pressure on him, but he's been a very pleasant surprise," Kubiak said Wednesday. While most teams have signed two or fewer of their draft picks, the Texans have inked four. Earl Mitchell, Darryl Sharpton, Trindon Holliday and Sherrick McManis are under contract, leaving five unsigned draft picks. General manager Rick Smith said signing the rookies early has"
Success zone for Texans is playoffs
Comment
June 17
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Jerome Solomon
"The next time we see these Texans, the work will be more intense. Their time on the field will be more meaningful, and the stakes will be higher. You will see mention of the playoffs in just about every story you read about the Texans this summer. You can't get away from it. Players are talking about them, coaches are talking about them, and the owner is talking about them. Head coach Gary Kubiak is all but guaranteeing the Texans' first foray into the postseason, saying Wednesday that when the Texans show up for training camp on July 30th they will "accomplish a goal some of us have been working on around here the last four years." "They know that," Kubiak said. "I didn't have to tell"
Questions remain as Texans' minicamp closes
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June 17
Houston Chronicle
 
"After Texans players finished their final sprint in Wednesday morning's scorching heat, most of them cheered. Some were shirtless, and all were sweating on the last day of minicamp. In the team's final huddle until it reconvenes for training camp, coach Gary Kubiak talked about what he expects from the players before they report on July 30. "I told them that we've had a good month and we're going to move away from each other a little bit," Kubiak said. "But also that they've got to keep working, and when we come back on July 30th, we're going to accomplish a goal that some of us have been working on for the last four years.""
Okam OK on Longhorns staying put
Comment
June 16
Houston Chronicle
 
"Defensive tackle Frank Okam, who helped Texas win a national championship in 2005, said like many Longhorn fans, he was initially skeptical about Texas moving to the PAC-10 because he was afraid of the traditions that may have been altered. But now that Texas has committed to staying in the Big 12, Okam said he's relieved. "I used to look forward to having that OU game in Dallas every year and playing the Aggies every year," Okam said. "Now that we know that that's still going to happen, it's a good deal." The OTAs and now three-day minicamp has allowed the young players to get plenty reps and more attention from the coaches. "It's basically our professional football spring ball," coach"
Rookie Ulatoski looks to make his home with Texans
Comment
June 16
Houston Chronicle
 
"Rookie Texans offensive tackle Adam Ulatoski desperately fought through two other linemen holding blocking pads. After Ulatoski finished the drill, he went directly to offensive assistant Bruce Matthews for instruction. When Matthews spoke, Ulatoski listened carefully as if he was receiving the most important advice of his life. "I try to soak up everything I can when he's talking to me," Ulatoski said. "It's been great for me to take pointers from a Hall of Famer and a legend every day." Slightly more than six months ago, Ulatoski was playing for Texas in the BCS national championship game, where the Longhorns lost 37-21. To add to the disappointment from that game, Ulatoski, who was"
Roster cuts coming
Comment
June 15
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans three-day mandatory minicamp began on Monday for both veterans and rookies. Although most veteran players didn't participate in any on-field activities, they had to show up to Reliant Stadium for morning workouts. During minicamp, head coach Gary Kubiak will address a few big decisions in regards to finalizing the team's 80-man roster for training camp in July. "We got some situations with our team," Kubiak said. "We'll probably make a few cuts towards the end of the week and set our roster and go.""
Rookie Mitchell has 'a ton of potential' for Texans
Comment
June 15
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans rookie Earl Mitchell sprinted downfield, chasing a receiver who had just made a catch. But Mitchell is no linebacker or defensive back — he's a 6-3, 300-pound defensive tackle. "I'm always trying to prove my work ethic on every play," Mitchell said. "I try to over-exaggerate every play and get to the ball, because you never know what will happen." Mitchell's work ethic and athleticism made him a coveted prospect out of Arizona. He left North Shore High School four years ago as a tight end and H-back but played defensive tackle his last two seasons. After he ran a 4.75-second 40-yard dash at the combine, the Texans drafted him in the third round. A Houston native, Mitchell said being"
This Tate can play —just ask him
Comment
June 14
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Richard Justice
"At one point last season, Auburn's Ben Tate declared himself the best running back in the whole by-gosh state of Alabama. Oh that Ben. What a kidder. Doesn't he know he's supposed to let others say nice stuff while he stands there and looks humble? On the other hand, it's not bragging if he can do it. "I mean I feel like it's me," he said. When Tate was given the chance to take it all back a couple of weeks later, to say he might have misspoken, he said it all again. This spring, he pronounced himself the best running back in this draft class. Let's hope. He was the sixth running back taken, but the Texans weren't looking for a talent evaluator when they took him in the second round of"
A full-time job
Comment
June 14
Houston Chronicle
 
"He tirelessly pounded away at a punching bag and then sparred in the boxing ring with a partner who didn't stand a chance. But this heavyweight wasn't training for an upcoming match — Texans defensive end Connor Barwin was boxing in hopes of increasing his hand speed and overall quickness for the upcoming season. "Whatever means necessary to improve," Barwin said. "There are a ton of ways to better your body, and boxing is a great way to improve." Barwin and a growing number of NFL players are seeking unconventional ways of improving their physical condition during the offseason. Contracts are bigger, and with the average career lasting less than five years, competition is as fierce as"
When they were Gamblers
Comment
June 13
Houston Chronicle
 
"Twenty-five years after their salad days as the wide-open, high-scoring, run-and-shoot scourges of the USFL, the 1984-85 Houston Gamblers returned Saturday afternoon to Richmond Avenue. With old haunts like Confetti's and the Fizz having long ago bitten the dust, about three dozen former players, coaches and front office personnel convened at Dave & Buster's on the Richmond strip, a favorite years ago for team gatherings after practice at Bayland Park's Fun Stadium. They returned as teachers, businessmen and coaches, joined by a genuine football Hall of Famer — quarterback Jim Kelly, who went to four Super Bowls in his post-Gamblers career with the Buffalo Bills — to recall the days when"
TE Daniels accepts tender from Texans
Comment
June 12
Houston Chronicle
 
"exans tight end Owen Daniels signed his restricted free-agent tender offer, the team announced Friday. The one-year deal is worth $3.168 million. Daniels, 27, who ranks second in franchise history in receptions (207) and receiving yards (2,501), missed the last eight games of the 2009 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He is still recovering, although he has been present at the team's offseason training activities, signing an injury waiver to participate. If Daniels hadn't signed the offer by June 15, the Texans could have reduced the tender to 110 percent of his 2009 salary, which would have been $3.0712 million. Also, the Texans came to terms with fourth-round draft pick"
Texans waive veteran running back Moats
Comment
June 11
Houston Chronicle
 
"Coach Gary Kubiak said last week the Texans would release one of their running backs before training camp to make sure the others got enough repetitions. They didn't wait until camp. The Texans placed veteran Ryan Moats on waivers Thursday. Moats, 27, spent the last two seasons with the Texans, starting two games last season and rushing for 390 yards and scoring four touchdowns. With second-round pick Ben Tate healthy for organized team actitivies for the first time, Kubiak wanted to make sure he made up for lost time. The Texans cleared space for Tate on the practice field by releasing Moats."
Kicking competition continues at OTAs
Comment
June 11
Houston Chronicle
 
"Moats waived Coach Gary Kubiak said last week the Texans would release one of their running backs before training camp to make sure the others got enough repetitions. They didn't wait until camp. The Texans placed veteran Ryan Moats on waivers Thursday. Moats, 27, spent the last two seasons with the Texans, starting two games last season and rushing for 390 yards and scoring four touchdowns. With second-round pick Ben Tate finally healthy, Kubiak wanted to make sure he made up for lost time and cleared space on the practice field by releasing Moats. Competition still kicking Veteran kickers Kris Brown and Neil Rackers competed again on the final day of OTAs. After about 10 kicks, Rackers"
Fatherhood keeping Casey's mind off injury
Comment
June 11
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans second-year tight end James Casey looked like the happiest player ever confined to a sideline stationary bike at Thursday's organized team activities. Injured players who are unable to practice usually look either gloomy or angry, but not Casey. He was all smiles as he talked about his newborn son, Cannon James, and said he wasn't concerned about the strained groin he suffered while running a route in Wednesday's practice. Casey's primary concern wasn't the injury itself, but instead, how it would affect the team. Despite a loaded depth chart at tight end, the Texans have been shorthanded at the position throughout OTAs. With Owen Daniels, Joel Dreessen and Anthony Hill already"
Texans agree to terms with 3rd-round pick Mitchell
Comment
June 10
Houston Chronicle
 
"Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, a third-round pick from Arizona, has agreed to contract terms with the Texans. The contract is a four-year deal worth slightly more than $2.578 million. A signing bonus of $788,500 is included in that figure."
Pollard puts his intensity on display
Comment
June 10
Houston Chronicle
 
"Veteran Texans safety Bernard Pollard asked an equipment manager for a purple Gatorade at organized team activities on Wednesday. The manager went to hand him the drink, but defensive end Mario Williams stepped in to steal it from Pollard. Pollard, who at 6-1 and 228 pounds is five inches and 57 pounds smaller than Williams, wasn't having it. With playful authority, he reclaimed his purple Gatorade. "He knew it was mine, and he shouldn't have put his hands on what wasn't his," Pollard said jokingly. "But we kid around and have a lot of fun with it." Pollard's playful personality off the field is a stark contrast to the intensity he brings on the field. He was cut by Kansas City last"
Indoor chaos at OTAs
Comment
June 9
Houston Chronicle
 
"Just five minutes after the players began stretching, the warning horn went off, signaling that lightning was in the area. The team immediately moved inside the bubble, just before the rain began to pour. The only problem was, with the exception of two, red LED play clocks, the inside was pitch-black. It took about twenty minutes to get the lights on, and later in practice, the coaches cranked up speakers to simulate game noise. "We had to move inside, but I thought it was good," coach Gary Kubiak said. "We wanted some noise, and we wanted a little chaos going on at practice here these next few days. I thought it worked out good.""
Texans' media staff wins Pete Rozelle Award
Comment
June 9
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans, New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees and Cincinnati defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer were among five winners in awards announced Tuesday by the Pro Football Writers of America. For the third time in six years, the Texans won the Pete Rozelle Award for having the NFL's outstanding media relations staff. Former vice president of communications Tony Wyllie, who left the Texans last month to become senior vice president of the Washington Redskins, director of public relations Kevin Cooper, media services coordinator Zac Emmons, administrative assistant Sybil Scott and intern Charles Hampton were voted No. 1 by members of the PFWA. The Texans also won the Rozelle Award in 2004 and"
Anderson is wild card at wideout
Comment
June 9
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans fifth-year receiver David Anderson used gibberish and zany impersonations as comedic relief during warmups at Tuesday's organized team activities. "Every day in practice is a grind, and a lot of guys go about it with their heads down," Anderson said. "It shouldn't be like that. Whatever I think the team needs to get the day going, that's what I do." This time last year, Anderson was preparing the most elaborate joke of his career. When he showed up for training camp, he had intentionally shaved balding spots into his head to jokingly poke fun at quarterback Matt Schaub's hair loss. This year, with a full head of hair, he said he's cautious about pulling a similar stunt. "I told my"
Inspiration a two-way street
Comment
June 5
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Richard Justice
"Three months later, Texans defensive end Mario Williams is still struck by how young the soldiers were. He was prepared for their bravery and discipline, also their selflessness and patriotism. He'd grown up around military families in North Carolina, and his brother-in-law, Marine Sgt. Nicholas Hodson, was killed in Iraq in 2003. So he's no stranger to the military. But it was the youth of the soldiers that has lingered in his heart and mind. In that way, his USO-sponsored trip to the Persian Gulf left an indelible impression. "A lot of the guys and girls were younger than me," he said. "It's just crazy to think they're over there every day fighting for our country, fighting for their"
Tate makes on-field debut at OTAs
Comment
June 4
Houston Chronicle
 
"Wait ends for Tate Rookie running back Ben Tate made his on-field debut at organized team activities on Thursday. Hampered by a hamstring injury, Tate had been limited to walkthroughs and rehabilitation on the sideline, but he ran full-speed in special teams and seven-on-seven drills. "It's about time," Tate said. "I'm just getting back into the mix, trying to stay on top of everything." Tate said his hamstring didn't bother him at all. He stayed after practice to work with strength and conditioning coach Cedric Smith and talked with coach Gary Kubiak afterward. "We're hoping he's full-go next week, and we get six good days out of him here the rest of the way," Kubiak said. "So far, so"
Wilson's health crucial to Texans
Comment
June 4
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans free safety Eugene Wilson's jewelry sets him apart from any other player on the roster. Wilson, an eight-year veteran, won two Super Bowl rings with New England, including one in Reliant Stadium in 2004. That championship experience is one reason he feels he can help the Texans make the playoffs this season. "I've been there," Wilson said. "When I see guys out here not doing what it takes, I try to let them know what needs to happen for us to be a championship team." But probably more important to the team's success is Wilson's health. He's the only free safety listed on the Texans' roster. He started eight games last season, and when he was injured, Dominique Barber was the primary"
Running back likely to be cut
Comment
June 3
Houston Chronicle
 
"Outside of Steve Slaton and Arian Foster, nothing is certain for running backs trying to secure a roster spot, coach Gary Kubiak said. The roster carries Ryan Moats, Jeremiah Johnson, Chris Henry and rookie Ben Tate, but Kubiak said someone likely will be cut before training camp. "For those guys, it's a battle," Kubiak said. "We probably won't be able to take them all to camp, so the battle is right now. (They are) good young players, but obviously Foster and Steve are leading the group right now." For most of the organized team activities, there hasn't been much competition between veteran kickers Kris Brown and free agent pickup Neil Rackers. Rackers has had a hamstring issue, and coach"
Barwin getting upper hand
Comment
June 3
Houston Chronicle
 
"Practice had ended 20 minutes earlier, but second-year defensive end Connor Barwin was still at work, abusing a practice dummy. Barwin threw punch after punch at the helpless dummy, working on the swiping move he uses to get around offensive linemen. The extra time he puts in after nearly every practice is a reflection of the work he did in the offseason. Barwin utilizes boxing to improve the hand speed and quickness he needs as a slightly undersized defensive lineman. So far at organized team activities, defensive line coach Bill Kollar has seen signs of Barwin's development. "He's playing stronger at the point of attack and he's a lot quicker off the ball, which will really help him as a"
Quarterback likely to be cut
Comment
June 2
Houston Chronicle
 
"After Tuesday's practice, coach Gary Kubiak said the roster would likely be trimmed to just three quarterbacks. The team currently carries starter Matt Schaub, backup Dan Orlovsky,John David Booty and college free agent Tyler Sheehan, but Kubiak said with loaded slots at the tight end and kicker positions, a move would have to be made. "I'm trying to get a feel for Booty and take a look at Tyler also," Kubiak said. "I think we go to camp with three, maybe four, but I think it's going to be three. We'll have to make a decision between the two." When asked about the offensive line, coach Gary Kubiak mentioned last season's weak running game. The Texans ranked 30th in the league in rushing"
Texans safety Nolan shakes off injury timeout
Comment
June 2
Houston Chronicle
 
"Safety Troy Nolan ran around the field and showed the kind of maturity Texans coach Gary Kubiak said he would expect from an established second-year player. The only thing is, Nolan didn't play a down in his rookie season after suffering a broken hand in his first series of the preseason opener against Kansas City. "I was like, 'Ah, man, you can't be serious,'?" Nolan said Tuesday. "Dang, I was crushed, but I knew I was going to bounce back." Initially, Nolan hoped he might miss a few games. When he found out he would have to undergo surgery and miss the season, Nolan chose not to fade into the darkness of injured reserve. "It was rough, but I learned a lot watching the veterans," Nolan"
Jacoby Jones Makes Push For Starting Spot With Texans
Comment
May 30
SportingNews.com
 
"The Texans re-signed WR Kevin Walter in the offseason, but that doesn't mean he'll retain his starting job. Coach Gary Kubiak said he expects fourth-year WR Jacoby Jones, the star of spring practices, to challenge for the spot. "He's pushing for more playing time on this football team," Kubiak told the Houston Chronicle. "If the OTAs are any indication, he's doing a hell of a job. "We've all seen brilliant flashes as a player, so if he gets that consistent mark, he has the ability to go up there and play with the best of them.""
Guard Smith could start on offensive line
Comment
May 28
Houston Chronicle
 
"Offensive line shuffle Guard Wade Smith has been running with the first team during OTAs and could earn a starting role. "I don't know that we have real clear frontrunners up there, to be honest," offensive line coach John Benton said Thursday. Smith (6-4, 296 pounds) is an eight-year veteran who signed with the Texans in March. He started nine games last season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season, the team lost Chester Pitts and Mike Brisiel to season-ending injuries. Chris White finished the season as the starter, but Antoine Caldwell and Smith have split time on the second team."
Texans agree on contract with McManis
Comment
May 28
Houston Chronicle
 
"Cornerback Sherrick McManis, the Texans' fifth-round pick, has agreed to a four-year contract worth $1.982 million. McManis, 6-1, 195, played at Northwestern. He plays a position that's one of the most competitive during the organized team activities. McManis is competing with veterans Brice McCain, Jacques Reeves, Fred Bennett and Antwaun Molden for playing time behind starters Glover Quin and Kareem Jackson, the Texans' first-round pick who has been with the starters since Day One. Meanwhile, as a formality, the Texans have extended tight end Owen Daniels' qualifying offer of $3.168 million — the maximum tender he received as a restricted free agent. Tuesday is the deadline for teams to"
Texans guardedly optimistic Studdard will thrive
Comment
May 28
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Richard Justice
"Kasey Studdard will fight, claw, scratch, kick, bite, el-bow, trip, hold, grab and bleed for his team. So far, so good, right? "No doubt," Texans offensive line coach John Benton said. "That's probably his No. 1 quality. He's all competition all the time. He's one of those kids who if you were rolling dice, he'd get upset if he wasn't winning. That translates into good things on the field." Studdard, a guard who is entering his fourth season, is still figuring a lot of things out, the technique and mental part of it and all the rest. He got thrown into the fire for the first time last season, and there were times he struggled mightily. There were other times he was everything the Texans"
Just give him a chance to shine
Comment
May 27
Houston Chronicle
 
"After a recent Texans practice, televisions cameras filmed receivers Jacoby Jones and David Anderson as they caught passes from a pitching machine. When they had finished making a few flashy snags, everyone was getting ready to leave until fifth-year tight end Joel Dreessen stepped in for more repetitions. "Oh, everybody turn your cameras off, please; nothing to see from this guy," Anderson said jokingly. Dreessen's teammates often give him a hard time. On Wednesday, many players wore fashionable headbands or caps turned backward. Dreessen was the lone player in a visor. Dreessen has never been the flashiest player, but his workhorse attitude has helped bring him a long way. He was"
McManis gets in first OTA practice
Comment
May 26
Houston Chronicle
 
"Cornerback Sherrick McManis, a fifth-round draft pick out of Northwestern, was part of the Texans' organized team activities for the first time on Tuesday. "McManis is through with all of his graduation work and was able to come in with us," Kubiak said. "Good to have him here. "He and (running back Ben) Tate are probably on the same program right now as we evaluate them before we put them out there." Tate has been sidelined throughout OTAs with a nagging hamstring. On Tuesday, he joined the team at the end of practice for walk-throughs for the first time."
Cornerstone at cornerback? Bennett's not on short list
Comment
May 26
Houston Chronicle
 
"This is often when the job of professional football player is its most difficult. In the NFL, Sunday games can be easier than sweating in summer-like heat trying to hold on to a job. Though it is May, more than three months before the final cut of the NFL preseason and quite a ways before the Texans' first "hard" depth charts come out, it is customary to start looking around for odd men out. It appears fourth-year cornerback Fred Bennett may have moved from the doghouse to the outhouse to just plain out. You watch the team drills, and No. 32 isn't getting the number of reps of other cornerbacks. That isn't always alarming, but in this case it says something. The Texans are no longer even"