The Texans got back to work Friday morning for their first practice of Training Camp, and all in all, head coach Gary Kubiak was pleased with what he saw.
"I thought it was good," Kubiak said. "I liked the conditioning. I like the way we came back, good sense of urgency."
The team got to work at eight a.m. outside at the Methodist Training Center, and moved inside an hour later. Running back Arian Foster, safety Ed Reed and receiver DeVier Posey worked out on the side field because they were placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Addtionally, tight end Garrett Graham was out with what Kubiak termed "a virus".
"We've got quite a few guys that are limited or have something going on," Kubiak said. "We've got to bring them along the right way, but I like the conditioning of the team, good start."
Going back to work for the start of his 11th training camp was receiver Andre Johnson. The team captain wasglad to be back on the field, and mindful of the five-plus months ahead of him and the Texans.
"It just lets you know that it's here," Johnson said. "It's time to buckle down and get ready to accomplish that ultimate goal. That's what it's all about."
Tight end Owen Daniels was all smiles after the morning practice, and described how things looked from his point of view.
"There is a little bit of rust to knock off and just get back in a rhythm and stuff, but it felt pretty good," Daniels said.
In late April's NFL Draft, the Texans selected Clemson wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in the first round. After a fruitful May and June during OTA's and minicamp, Hopkins wasn't daunted by his first taste of an NFL Training Camp.
"I love the pressure," Hopkins said. "I don't really look at it as pressure. I look at it as coming out and helping this team out and whether they need help out. I've been in my playbook, so I feel pretty comfortable coming out here and running with the first group."
Hopkins and the Texans will practice again Friday afternoon inside the Methodist Training Center. Each of the next six days will also consist of a morning and afternoon practice. Next Friday, the Texans will work in the morning before taking the afternoon and all of Saturday off for rest.
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