HOUSTON – Five months after Texans linebacker Christian Harris initially strained a calf muscle, he’s on the verge of returning to practice after a lengthy recovery that had its stops and starts.
Harris originally injured his calf in July before aggravating the soft-tissue injury in late August before being placed on injured reserve.
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The speedy former third-round draft pick from Alabama is now expected to be designated for return after the Texans’ bye week, according to league sources.
“I’d say relative to Christian Harris, definitely making some progress,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said during a press conference Tuesday at NRG Stadium. “I think he is getting closer. I’d say there’s definitely a shot we’re going to see him sooner rather than later.”
It’s not as simple, though, as simply plugging in Harris as soon as he returns to practice. He’ll likely need a few weeks of ramp-up time to get back in football shape and cut down the risk of aggravating his calf. Harris is moving well and no longer in discomfort having regained his mobility and flexibility, according to sources.
#Texans GM Nick Caserio on linebacker depth with Azeez Al-Shaair three game suspension and Christian Harris update back 'sooner' @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/rTAm6Ucag8
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 3, 2024
Harris recorded a career-high 101 tackles last season and returned an interception for a touchdown in a playoff victory over the Cleveland Browns. 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.
“We will see where Christian is,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. “Christian has done a great job progressing and we look forward to seeing him out there pretty soon.”
The Texans need depth at the position after losing veteran linebacker and team captain Azeez Al-Shaair to a three-game suspension he’s appealing, according to league sources. If the suspension stands and isn’t reduced, the Texans will likely go with a combination of Henry To’oTo’o, Devin White and Neville Hewitt until Al-Shaair returns and Harris is ready to play.
“We’ve had a number of players, to your point, that have played that position,” Caserio said. “Devin has come in and given us some snaps at different points. Henry has done a really good job from start to finish, even going back to last year as our leading tackler. Neville Hewitt, there’s a guy nobody really talks about, but whenever the guy goes in the game, he’s a tackling machine. He’s one of our best players in the kicking game.”
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Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.
