Head coach Bill O'Brien likes what he sees in Jonathan Grimes, the smart, young player who was once a practice squad player for Houston. While Arian Foster is out with a groin injury, Grimes has had an expanded role in training camp.
"Grimes has had a good training camp," O'Brien said Thursday. "He's strung about three good practices in a row here. He's done a good job. He's a smart player. He's one of our core special teams players. He's a guy that really knows our offense well. He plays a lot on third down, but now with Arian out, he's playing more on first and second down in certain packages. Really dependable guy. We enjoy coaching him."
Grimes has been a steady contributor in Foster's absence. In 2013, he saw action in the final two games and started in Week 17. With one year of experience in O'Brien's offense, he may be called on to do so again.
Grimes, now entering his fourth NFL season, is ready.
"I've been pretty consistent," Grimes said. "I know my role on this team. Special teams is a big thing, receiving out of the backfield, and pass protection. I'm just going to be ready to step up and do whatever they ask me."
The Texans are holding joint training camp practices with the Washington Redskins in Richmond, Virginia through Saturday.
