Jonathan Greenard played a lot on Sunday.
Before Sunday's win at Jacksonville, the Texans outside linebacker entered the game with a combined 11 snaps played on defense in four career games. The rookie had also averaged just under 15 snaps per contest on special teams. Against the Jaguars, he was on the field for 57 defensive snaps. With Jacob Martin and Whitney Mercilus on the COVID-19 list and unavailable for the game, and Brennan Scarlett's exit yesterday due to an arm injury, the third round pick out of Florida saw plenty of action versus the Jaguars.
Greenard also played some special teams, seeing seven snaps worth of work there. Interim head coach Romeo Crennel was pleased with what Greenard did.
"He got stressed a little bit physically because he was playing on both of those segments," Crennel said. "But he didn't make egregious mistakes. He was basically where he was supposed to be, when he was supposed to be there. We feel good about that."
Greenard finished with three tackles on the day.
Fellow rookie, Ross Blacklock, saw 27 snaps on defense, while cornerback John Reid was on the field for three defensive snaps. Crennel wants to see progress, and was encouraged by the trio's performance.
"I thought that they gave a good effort," Crennel said. "As always, they still have got stuff to learn, but I was encouraged by the fact that they hung in there and they fought. All the rookies, I've told you guys that they have talent. They have to gain the experience they need to become better players."
The Texans face the Browns next Sunday at Noon CT in Cleveland.
