Head coach Gary Kubiak gave an update on several players after training camp on Tuesday, including Ben Tate who returned to practice.
-RB Ben Tate returned to practice Tuesday afternoon after missing several days with a sore groin. Kubiak will make a decision on whether or not Tate will start at Minnesota after practice on Wednesday morning.
"It will either be (RB Ben) Tate or DJ (RB Dennis Johnson). One or the other," said Kubiak of the first preseason game's starter.
-G Wade Smith is being evaluated after practice after banging knees on a play and could be out for a few days.
"Yeah, he's got, me and Kap (Head Athletic Trainer Geoff Kaplan) were just talking about it, he's got a bone bruise in his knee," Kubiak said Tuesday afternoon. "Banged knees, swelled up on him a little bit. He's fine, but we'll probably be real smart here for a couple of days and see where we're at."
-CB Brandon Harris left practice early due to a hip flexor issue and will be day-to-day.
"Brandon, hip flexor, just started bothering him a little bit this morning," said Kubiak. "He pulled himself out, smart on his part. We'll see where he's at tomorrow, but that was from this morning."
-ILB Tim Dobbins did not practice. Dobbins left practice early Monday due to a sore shoulder/back.
"Dobbins is out today. I'm concerned about that going into Friday, but I'm sure hoping I get Dobbins back," Kubiak said, referring to the Texans first preseason game at Minnesota on August 9.
-OLB Brooks Reed was a full participant in practice after sitting out Monday. Reed collided with TE Owen Daniels during camp on Sunday.
"I feel good. It's just a contusion," said Reed. "Something that a days' worth fixed, but there's some swelling and stuff. It was just helpful to just take that day off and just get the swelling down, but I'm better today."
-OLB Sam Montgomery eased back into practice after missing time due to an ankle sprain. Montgomery did individual work with the team but no contact drills.
"I know he did a little bit today. He's just behind," said Kubiak. "It's going to take some time and we're trying to work him through the soreness of his ankle sprain and obviously he's not going to be a part of what we're doing this week I don't think. I may be premature in saying that, but a long way to go."
-RB Arian Foster. Foster, who injured his calf during OTAs, was expected back on Sunday was held out due to back soreness.
"As far as Arian goes, the biggest thing with him is we've got to get him back and involved with the process," said Kubiak.
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