Rookie wide receiver Jaelen Strong has gained momentum through three preseason games.

"He's improved every week and I think that he's taken the coaching to heart," head coach Bill O'Brien said Monday.

In New Orleans, Strong led the receivers with 5 catches for 40 yards and a touchdown. Through preseason, the Texans third-round draft selection has averaged 7.9 yards per reception and leads the position group with two touchdowns.

"He's a very talented guy," O'Brien said. "He's big, he's strong, he's a very instinctive player, he makes contested catches and I think that he's improved every week. The key for Jaelen, the key for every rookie, is to keep improving. All of these rookies at some point are going to hit a wall, and they've got to be able to climb over that wall. All these guys, Jaelen, they all have to just continue to improve. If they can continue to improve, they'll be in good shape."

Strong, who missed some of OTAs with a hamstring injury, arrived to camp in shape and passed the conditioning test. According to O'Brien, that was a big factor for the rookie who found himself behind with missing time earlier in the offseason.

"The key for Jaelen, the key for every rookie, is to keep improving," O'Brien said. "All of these rookies at some point are going to hit a wall, and they've got to be able to climb over that wall. All these guys, Jaelen, they all have to just continue to improve. If they can continue to improve, they'll be in good shape."

The Texans wrap up their 2015 preseason against the Cowboys on Thursday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m CT on KTRK ABC-13 and SportsRadio 610.

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