Texans linebacker Christian Harris recovering from soft-tissue leg injury, not considered long-term

HOUSTON – Texans linebacker Christian Harris had a breakthrough season last year, excelling as a downhill, aggressive force in run support while his pass coverage advanced greatly.

Harris is currently not practicing as he recovers from a soft-tissue leg injury that isn’t regarded as long-term, per a league source, and he expected to make a full recovery before the start of the season Sept. 8 against the Indianapolis Colts. He has missed the first three practices of training camp, but is expected back relatively soon.

“We expect him back when he is ready to play ball for us,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. “A lot of guys you will see as you are here throughout there are just different sort of plans to get ready. Our goal is game one and getting healthy and stuff, so each guy has an individualized plan. So, he will be ready to go when it is time.”

Harris recorded a career-high 101 tackles last season and returned an interception for a touchdown in a playoff victory over the Cleveland Browns.

‘Whole lot of excitement for sure,” Harris recently told KPRC 2 before training camp. “Going into Year 3 a little bit more comfortable, excited about the pieces we have on the team and the additions that we have. A lot of guys have put in a lot of work. Just excited to get back and see where we are.”

Harris is coming off his best NFL season. He became the seventh player in NFL history to record a pick-six for a touchdown and record a sack in the same playoff game since retired Texans defensive end J.J. Watt did so against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012. Harris had eight tackles, two for losses against the Browns. He had seven more tackles one for a loss and repeatedly pressured Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson in an AFC divisional round playoff loss.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has said the “sky is the limit” for Harris, a former third-round draft pick from Alabama who has run the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds.

“All glory to God,” Harris said. “Just stay true to the course and keep working one day at a time. We’ll pick up our head at the end and see where we are.”

Harris and veteran linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, signed to a three-year, $33 million deal after previous stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans, could be a formidable tandem.

“Man, something crazy,” Harris said. “Honestly, we got something in the works for sure. He’s been working every day. He’s a great vet for me, giving out a whole lot of advice every day. I’m just looking forward to seeing what we can do.”

Harris led the AFC South champions in performance-based pay.

Harris will receive a $524,084 payout under the NFL’s annual performance-based pay program, a collectively bargained benefit compensating players based on playing time and salary levels.

Harris played 69.08 percent of the snaps.

Harris spent a lot of time this offseason training with defensive backs coach Jacory Nichols, lining up alongside Texans safety Calen Bullock and cornerback Kamari Lassiter and cornerbacks from around the NFL, including Buffalo Bills veteran Rasul Douglas.

“Trying to touch on a little bit of everything, my mobility, keeping my cardio up and just footwork and everything,” Harris said. “I played corner in high school. It’s a good challenge for me, for sure to be out here with these guys. I hold myself to a higher standard.”

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