The Texans’ defensive end position is poised to get some proven reinforcements.
Veteran defensive end Rasheem Green participated in practice Wednesday and said afterward he’s feeling good and happy to be back after missing the Texans’ season-opener against the Indianapolis Colts due to a thigh injury. He was limited in practice.
Recommended Videos
Texans coach Lovie Smith said that Green is “trending in the right direction” to potentially play Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
Green had 6 1/2 sacks last season for the Seattle Seahawks before joining the Texans this season on a one-year, $3.25 million deal that includes $1 million guarnateed.
The Texans need all the pass rush they can muster against elusive Broncos star quarterback Russell Wilson.
“Yes, he is trending in the right direction,” Smith said. “He is trending the right way. Good practice today, we’ll need him. When you play a quarterback like that, you need all hands on desk that can rush the passer. So, hopefully, Rasheem will be able to help us a little bit, that’s if we decide to let him go.”
Meanwhile, center Justin Britt didn’t practice for personal reasons and defensive tackle Maliek Collins didn’t practice due to a knee injury while defensive end Jerry Hughes was rested and isn’t injured. Tight end Brevin Jordan (ankle) was limited along with cornerback Isaac Yiadom (abdomen).
Green had a career-high for sacks last season along with six tackles for losses, 48 tackles and 15 quarterback hits. During training camp, Green expressed confidence and hope that he’s primed for bigger things going forward since joining the Texans.
“My style of play: fast, smart and physical,” Green said. “I feel like I left a lot of plays out there. I think that was just the tip of the iceberg. I think there’s a lot more out there I can achieve with what we have going on here. I can do a little more.”
Green is regarded as an ascending player and a strong fit for the Texans’ traditional 4-3 defensive scheme.
After visiting the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens in free agency, Green chose the Texans in May after the Texans didn’t draft a pass rusher.
“It’s nice being here,” Green said. “The guys have welcomed me. The culture, the city is great. The team is awesome. I like what we’ve got going on here and I’m just glad to be a part of the team. With the scheme we run here, I feel it suits me well, too.”
Green has the requisite size, speed, strength and moves working in his favor.
He has recorded 94 career tackles, 13 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 27 quarterback hits.
A former high school All-American growing up in California, Green declared for the NFL draft after his junior year and finished with 115 tackles and 16 1/2 sacks in three college seasons.
Green has been growing on and off the field. He came into his own after dealing with a speech impediment as a child. That led to him being shy, but he has gained confidence and overcame the issue.
“It made me a real shy person,” Green said. “Getting better at my speech has made me a more confident person. That’s really helped me on and off the field.”
The Texans, coming off a 4-13 season and now 0-0-1 after a 20-20 tie, promoted Smith to head coach as the replacement for David Culley. They’re hoping that additions of hungry, talented players like Green can help them engineer a turnaround under Smith and general manager Nick Caserio’s leadership.
“I feel like it’s nice to be a part of the change,” Green said. “It’s always nice to be a part of the reason why the franchise turned around. We’re just out here trying to get wins.”
Aaron Wilson is a Pro Football Network reporter and analyst and a contributor to KPRC 2 and click2houston.com