Duane Brown could soon make his much-anticipated return to football, according to head coach Bill O'Brien.
"He'll be back hopefully during training camp," O'Brien said following Wednesday's veteran minicamp practice.
The All-Pro left tackle has been rehabbing following his Jan. 6 quadriceps surgery. After starting 14 games in 2015, Brown suffered the season-ending injury during the regular season finale against Jacksonville.
Since his surgery, Brown has been present on the practice field throughout OTAs and veteran minicamp but has not yet been cleared to participate.
"Duane has been in every meeting," O'Brien said. "He's out there. Once he gets his rehab done, he comes out for the team portion of practice. He's talking to the young guys behind the huddle. He's talking to Brock about maybe some adjustment that he made during the play. Duane is a leader."
Brown had been named to two Pro Bowls (2013-14) was an alternate this past season. Entering his ninth season, he is currently the longest-tenured Texan on the roster.
LT Duane Brown's time as a Texan and Virginia Tech Hokie is chronicled here in photos.
