Derek Newton is ready to go for the start of the 2016 regular season.
The starting right tackle, who suffered an injury on the first day of training camp, was pleased to return to the practice field with his teammates.
"It's amazing, man," Newton said Monday. "Not being out there with the guys, it was kind of tough. Just sitting back, watching those guys out there have fun and build chemistry, it kind of felt like I needed to be out there. But at the same time, I knew those guys could handle it, and when I come back we'll be back with the same chemistry."
Newton's snap count will be evaluated throughout the week, to see how much he can play in Sunday's home opener against the Chicago Bears. "I think with anybody that comes off of being out for a while, the first thing you want to look at is their level of conditioning and where they're at as it relates to their own conditioning and their own ability to stay in there and sustain plays throughout a drive," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "I think that's a big thing. From there, it's just about how they're reacting to whatever their injury was and how is that playing out in practice."
Because he missed the last month, Newton has been spending extra time on conditioning after practice. The six-year veteran, who has not missed a start since 2012, feels ready to play the entire game if needed.
"I'm going to listen to what coach tells me to do," Newton said. "Until he takes me out, I'm going to be in there."
The Texans open the 2016 regular season against the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon CT on FOX-26 and SportsRadio 610.
Check out photos from Monday's indoor practice.
