Notes from the Texans' practice and locker room on Thursday at Reliant Stadium:* *
Return of the MattInjured quarterback Matt Schaub is back from Charlotte, and was with the team during Thursday's practice. For more on that story, click here.
Leinart Looking Good
Head coach Gary Kubiak thinks Matt Leinart continues to improve, and he said the new starting quarterback put in some quality work on Thanksgiving morning.
"Yeah, I really liked the way he practiced today," Kubiak said. "I just think he's going to get better every day out here."
Despite that, though, Kubiak was quick to emphasize the collective effort needed to ensure success.
"Obviously, the team's got to play well around him," Kubiak said. "It's not just about what he has to do. It's about what the whole team has to do. He's in to what's going on. This is a hell of an opportunity for him and I know we're going to get everything he has."
Injury UpdateWide receiver Andre Johnson was a full participant in practice, and the team lacked only fullback Lawrence Vickers (hamstring) and tight end Garrett Graham (hamstring) on Thursday.
Free safety Danieal Manning (ankle), who is slated to play some on Sunday, was limited in practice. So too, were defensive end Tim Bulman (calf), linebacker Mister Alexander (shoulders) and defensive end Antonio Smith (shoulders).
'Dre CountJohnson continues to impress in practice, and Kubiak said the All-Pro wideout will play with a bit of a limitation.
"We'll have to be smart," Kubiak said. "He won't go out there and play 60, 70 plays this weekend. We'll pay attention to what's going on."
Quotable
"A little bit of everything; opportunity this football team's got, this city's got with this football team. Hopefully we can keep it going." – Head coach Gary Kubiak, on what he's thankful for on Thanksgiving.
