The Texans injury report was noticeably shorter on Wednesday after the extra rest following Thursday night's win at Cincinnati.
"It's like a mini-bye, where they can get extra treatment, get healthy – we have a number of guys back at practice today, which was good," O'Brien said.
After last week's injury report that had as many as nine players not practicing due to injury, several starters returned to the practice field as the Texans prepare for the New England Patriots: Ryan Griffin, Stephen Anderson, Bruce Ellington and Johnathan Joseph. Tight ends Griffin and Anderson both suffered concussions in Week 1 against Jacksonville as did wide receiver Bruce Ellington.
"I feel great and ready to get going for next week," Griffin said.
Ellington and Griffin were both full participants in Wednesday's practice. Johnathan Joseph, who left Thursday's game with a shoulder injury in the second quarter, was limited in practice but is still expected to play in Week 3 at New England.
Will Fuller V and Blue also practiced but were limited after being inactive since the start of the regular season. Fuller underwent shoulder surgery and practiced this week for the first time since his Aug. 3 injury.
"No, he (Fuller) won't be available Sunday, but he's getting better," O'Brien said. "He'll be available soon, but not for Sunday."
Blue's status for Sunday remains uncertain and O'Brien will likely make that decision closer to gametime. When he does return, the fourth-year running back will be used to fortify special teams.
"Alfred's really, number one, going to help us on special teams when he does get back, whether it's this week or in the future," O'Brien said. "As far as the rotation at running back, the main guys right now are Lamar (Miller) and D'Onta (Foreman) and then we mix Tyler Ervin in there sometimes. Blue will work his way back into that rotation, but I'd say his main role will be special teams when he comes back."
The (1-1) Texans travel to Gillette Stadium in Week 3 to face the (1-1) New England Patriots. Kickoff is set for 12 noon CT on CBS and SportsRadio 610.
