Duane Brown, Braxton Miller return to practice
Duane Brown returned to the practice field on Wednesday for the first time since his season-ending quadriceps surgery in January. The team was not in full pads, but practiced in jerseys and shorts inside the stadium.
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The starting left tackle could make his first start of the 2016 season on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. 
Braxton Miller also practiced after being inactive for the last two games against New England and Tennessee. The rookie wide receiver had been dealing with a hamstring injury and could also return to the starting lineup.
The (3-1) Texans travel to Minnesota to take on the (4-0) Vikings in Week 5. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. on Sunday.

Duane Brown returned to the practice field on Wednesday for the first time since his season-ending quadriceps surgery in January. The team was not in full pads, but practiced in jerseys and shorts inside the stadium.
 

"Today felt pretty good, just trying to stack the days consecutively," Brown said Wednesday. "Very encouraged about what happened today. As of now, I think I'll be good to go." 
 
The starting left tackle was limited in Wednesday's practice, according to the official injury report. He will continue to practice this week and be monitored closely to make sure there are no setbacks in his return. 
 
If ready, Brown could make his first start of the 2016 season against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. It would also mark his first game action with Brock Osweiler under center. The Texans starting quarterback will be working with Brown in practice this week, but says he is "all smiles" at the possible return of the All-Pro.
 
"I wouldn't say there's really any challenge as far as Duane and myself because, for the most part, it's just communication either in the huddle or at the line of scrimmage of me telling him the play," Osweiler said. "So I don't see any challenges there. Obviously, for Duane it's going to be getting back into game shape and things of that nature, but he's a heck of a pro and I know he'll be ready to go."

 
The (3-1) Texans travel to Minnesota to take on the (4-0) Vikings in Week 5. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. on Sunday.