DeMeco Ryans News

Johnson, three defenders give Texans their largest number of Pro Bowl picks
"The Texans haven't arrived yet, but more evidence that suggests they're getting closer was presented Tuesday. Not only do they still cling to a modicum of postseason hope with one game remaining, they'll be playing for a first-ever winning season against New England on Sunday with a franchise-best four Pro Bowlers on the field. Although wide receiver Andre Johnson is the lone starter in the group, linebackers DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing plus defensive end Mario Williams were also selected to go to Miami for the Jan. 31 matchup between the best players in the AFC and NFC. And given the unprecedented scheduling of this year's game — it's the week before the Super Bowl, also set for Land ..."
Ryans misses practice again
"Defensive captain and middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans missed another practice as he tries to work the soreness out of the sprained ankle he suffered late in the loss to the Tennessee Titans on Monday night. But Ryans was the only Texan who didn't participate in the short but spirited Thanksgiving morning workout. Running back Steve Slaton (shoulder) had a full practice, as did wide receiver Jacoby Jones (calf). Also, for the first time in weeks, rookie linebacker Brian Cushing (foot) has not been held out of any practices. "Hopefully DeMeco will practice tomorrow," coach Gary Kubiak said. "Other than DeMeco, it looks like all our guys are heading in the right direction." Asked if he was ..."
Cushing solid backer for Ryans
"DeMeco Ryans got into it with teammate Brian Cushing in the locker room after the Texans' win over Tennessee. Like veterans are wont to do, Ryans warned the rookie that nothing good could come from a tussle with him. He threatened to take the youngster outside to the parking lot to teach him a thing or three. Cushing stood his ground — granted, his ground was a couple cubicles away — and even asked Ryans which type of fight he would prefer: a street fight or one with rules. Ryans laughed. "Whichever you choose," he said. Were this not a victorious locker room, a gullible observer might think the two were about to come to blows. No worries. Any blows these two deliver are more likely to be ..."
Bad vibes brewing
"Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and tight end Owen Daniels are unhappy campers. Ryans and Daniels were hoping to sign new contracts with the Texans, but their agents were unable to negotiate deals. Unlike cornerback Dunta Robinson, who was designated as the franchise player, Ryans and Daniels reported to training camp. Because they are under contract, they would have been fined. Robinson can't be fined because he's not under contract. "It's a bad message when you look at it because you have top guys on the team not getting deals," Ryans said. "If they want to reward me, they'll reward me. If not, there are other teams out there that'll like to. I can't make them give me the deal." Positive ..."
Ryans will return for team workouts
"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 ..."
Ryans, Robinson won't show
"When the Texans report Monday for the first day of their offseason conditioning program, middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and cornerback Dunta Robinson won't be there. Ryans and Robinson, who are defensive leaders and among the team's elite players, aren't expected to participate in the offseason program because they're unhappy with their contract situations. "I've talked to both of them," coach Gary Kubiak said. "I understand the issue. The offseason program is voluntary. I'd love to have them here. Their teammates would love to have them here. We'll work through it." The next time Robinson and Ryans will be on a field together will be April 18. Along with receiver Andre Johnson, they host ..."
Texans notes: Ryans continues to be effective
"Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans is not in the spotlight as much as in recent seasons, but coach Gary Kubiak said Ryans is just as effective on the field. Last year, Ryans had 60 tackles and one sack after seven games. This season, he has 47 tackles and no sacks. “He’s getting more help now than he has in the past,” Kubiak said. “Back then he was having to make all those tackles, but I think Zac (Diles) has become a fine, fine player. So, he’s taking a lot of pressure and made a lot of plays, from that standpoint. We’re playing better up front right now than we’ve played in a while around here. So, he’s got a lot more help, but believe me, he’s still playing well and I expect some big things ..."
Ryans strives to be the best
"It took awhile, but the Texans have caught on to linebacker DeMeco Ryans’ tricks. They no longer are surprised when they tell him to take a break in practice only to see him sprinting back onto the field. It doesn’t shock them when the trainers say Ryans (6-1, 250) has injuries that would sideline most players and he is nonetheless dressed and ready for that Sunday’s game. “He forces himself back on the field,” linebackers coach Johnny Holland said. “(In practice), he’d tell us he’d just need to get the mental reps and see it on the field. He thinks (with) every rep he has a chance to get better. You’ve really got a lot of respect for a guy like that. “The guy plays through pain. There’s a ..."