Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard ‘good to go,’ for playoff game against Browns, Jerry Hughes ruled out

HOUSTON – Texans veteran defensive end Jonathan Greenard returned to practice Thursday, a development that could significantly boost the pass rush and the chances for the defense to compete Saturday in a playoff game against the Cleveland Browns.

Greenard is expected to play Saturday against the Browns in an AFC wild-card playoff game for the fourth-seeded Texans. He was listed as questionable while veteran defensive end Jerry Hughes was officially ruled out.

Greenard suffered a Grade 1 ankle sprain against the Browns on Christmas Eve, per a league source. His absence was exploited by Browns quarterback Joe Flacco as he peppered the Texans defense with throws to wide receiver Amari Cooper for 11 receptions and a franchise single-game record 265 yards

Greenard leads the Texans with a career-high 12 1/2 sacks, 15 tackles for losses and 22 quarterback hits.

“Smooth, I’m excited, really excited to get first playoff game, get back with the boys, understanding what’s at stake and understanding we have a huge opportunity in front of us,” Greenard said. “Felt really good. I’ve been out for a little bit, but not too long. Just getting back in the swing of stuff. Felt pretty good. Saturday going to be good to go.”

Meanwhile, wide receiver Noah Brown returned to practice from a transverse process fracture in his back that he has recovered from. Brown has caught 33 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 17.2 yards per catch. He is questionable and regarded as a game-time decision.

Texans veteran wide receiver Robert Woods returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis after being out last Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts due to a painful hip injury. Woods, a true game-time decision who attempted to warm up before ultimately it was determined that he couldn’t play in the road game at Lucas Oil Stadium, was running and participating in drills Tuesday. He practiced the past two days and is trending toward playing as long as warmups go smoothly. He is listed as questionable.

Woods has caught 40 passes for 426 yards and one touchdown this season in 14 games and 11 starts.

“I felt good a little bit, I was able to start doing some things, start moving around,” Woods told KPRC 2. “Hopefully, we’re able to go on Saturday, but it’s just progressing as we can. To be determined.”

Texans rookie standout wide receiver Tank Dell is out for the season with a broken fibula.

Hughes (sprained ankle, X-rays negative) remains out of practice and was officially ruled out after getting hurt against the Colts.

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Pro Bowl left offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (knee, rest) practiced again along with defensive tackle Maliek Collins (hip) and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (shoulder).

Collins, Rankins, center Michael Deiter (elbow), defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (high-ankle sprain, returned to practice) are all expected to play.

Fullback Andrew Beck (calf) and center Michael Deiter (elbow) have been limited for the Texans.

Beck is listed as questionable and expected to play.

Deiter is off the injury report.

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