Texans’ Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard, Denzel Perryman, Tavierre Thomas, Cameron Johnston return to practice

HOUSTON – Riddled with injuries throughout the early portion of the season and training camp, the Texans got a jolt of upgraded health Wednesday morning as several key players returned to practice.

Pro Bowl left offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil is back after dealing with pain and swelling in his knee and missing the past three games. He practiced on a limited basis and is still regaining his full mobility. If Tunsil is able to practice without any setbacks the entire week, he should be able to make his return Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons

Right tackle Tytus Howard, as league sources indicated he would be, was back practicing and particpated fully after being designated for return from injured reserve after recovering from hand surgery that involved metal pins being inserted to aid the healing process from two broken bones. Howard may play left guard, though, with Kendrick Green placed on injured reserve with a torn meniscus. Green had successful surgery to repair the meniscus with the rest of the knee intact and he is out for the season, per league sources. Green was impressive against the Pittsburgh Steelers, his former team, drawing high marks from coaches and teammates on Sunday during a 30-6 victory.

“We’ll see where they end up at the end of the week, but it’s good to see guys back out there, and we’ll keep working,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Guys have been working hard while they’ve been away, which is the most important thing when you are out: ‘Are you working? Are you putting the work in? Are you ready to contribute once you get the opportunity to come back?’”

With Howard and Tunsil back, the Texans are evaluating the possibility of having Howard play left guard and having them line up next to center Jarrett Patterson, right guard Shaq Mason and right tackle George Fant.

“When it comes to who is out there, we’ll have the best guys out there who are available, and they’ll do their best,” Ryans said. “Whatever we need, guys will be ready to go. We’ll put the best five out there.”

Signed to a one-year, $4 million contract at the start of training camp, Fant has stabilized the right side with his steady performances. Fant has allowed just one sack in 273 offensive snaps with 10 pressures and one hit and has a 71.0 pass blocking grade.

“Yeah, Fant has done a really good job, thought he’s been very consistent,” Ryans said. “He’s gotten better. Week in and week out, he’s gotten better, and I’m really pleased with what George has done. He’s been one of the guys who has been a staple for us up front, him and Shaq and they’ve done a really good job on the right side.”

Signed to a three-year, $56 million contract extension at the start of training camp, Howard is a 2019 first-round draft pick from Alabama State. Howard and quarterback C.J. Stroud quickly formed a bond when the Texans picked the two-time Heisman Trophy finalist second overall

“Yeah, me and Tytus [Howard] have been really cool since the day I got drafted,” Stroud said. “He was one of the first people, other than L.T. [Tunsil], to hit me up. We got on the phone and we were just telling each other that we were excited to work with each other. I even remember the day he got paid, and I was super excited and happy for him.

“Me and Ty, really all the [offensive] linemen, I hang out with the line and the receivers the most. Me and Ty spend a lot of time off the field, hanging, going bowling, just doing extravagant things. ‘He’s hilarious, he’s real funny. He always has a joke or two. He’s really competitive at everything. He doesn’t like losing. He’s going crazy in there with ping-pong right now. And he’s good at bowling, I’m not going to lie. He’s solid.”

Middle linebacker Denzel Perryman, who has a broken hand and wrist, returned to practice with a red club on his left hand. He participated fully

Nickel back Tavierre Thomas returned to practice after missing the past two games after undergoing hand surgery to address a broken bone. He has a protective club on his left hand. He participated fully.

Texans offensive lineman Josh Jones tore a ligament in his hand and underwent surgery, according to league sources. He practiced Wednesday with a club on his hand and participated fully.

Jones was sidelined last Sunday for a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and he may miss another game, per sources. The Texans are still evaluating whether Jones can play effectively with a club on his hand.

Punter Cameron Johnston was designated for return from injured reserve after making a full recovery from a calf injury and the team cutting interim punter Ty Zentner. He particpated fully, as did offensive lineman Michael Deiter, who has a chest injury.

Veteran safety Jimmie Ward was given a rest day along with wide receiver Robert Woods and cornerback Steven Nelson, who was limited. Offensive guard Shaq Mason was limited with an ankle injury, and running back Dameon Pierce was limited with a knee injury.

Green became the latest in a long list of injuries across the offensive line, including Tunsil and Howard, left guard Kenyon Green (torn labrum, out for season), Jones, center Scruggs (strained hamstring, injured reserve), and center Scott Quessenberry (season-ending knee injury, torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments).

Scruggs, who remains on injured reserve with a strained hamstring, is expected to be activated within the next few weeks. Ideal scenario for him would be next week against the New Orleans Saints. If not, then he should be ready after the bye in advance of a road game against the Carolina Panthers.

Ryans praised Patterson, a rookie from Notre Dame, on Monday.

“Jarret has done a good job with what we’ve asked him to do,” Ryans said. “I thought he’s done a really good job of stepping in at center where he’s played primarily guard throughout training camp. Stepping in and playing a new position, a very important position for us, he’s done a really nice job for us and he’s improved each week. Very pleased with where Jarret is.”

NOTE: The Texans signed veteran defensive end Derek Rivers to the active roster from the practice squad, restored safety Brandon Hill to the practice squad and signed defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth to the practice squad. Stallworth worked out for the Texans last week. He played well for the Texans last season.

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.