After a Sunday off, the Houston Texans players were suited up in full pads for Day 11 of Texans Camp at the Houston Methodist Training Center. With just five days left before the first preseason game on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers, competition has been heating up on the field.

"We're still in an evaluation mode," Head Coach David Culley said. "As we went into Training Camp, we told all of our guys, competition is wide open and the only way we're going to find out because we have 50 new players, the only way to find out is in game-type situations."

The Texans did a lot of situational work with a few team periods in Monday's practice. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was at practice for the first time in full pads and threw some passes in 1-on-1s but no team or 7-on-7s.

Running back Buddy Howell worked with the team for the first time since the start of camp. Howell, wearing his new No. 8, started camp on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Wide receiver Taywan Taylor was also activated off the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

Defensive back Tavierre Thomas picked off a pass in team drills.

Rex Burkhead got work both as a receiver and a running back during team periods.

Jordan Akins has been impressed with the defensive line group's effort in camp, particularly six-year veteran Jordan Jenkins.

"He's coming off that edge hard," Akins said.

Akins put on about five pounds this offseason and is looking forward to the tight ends taking advantage of mismatches this season.

Brevin Jordan made an impressive catch along the sideline on a pass from quarterback Davis Mills. The rookie tight end has potential and has shown good route running so far, according to Pharaoh Brown.

Brown is still working his way back from some side effects following the COVID-19 vaccine. Brown says he feels just as comfortable in the offense as he did last year, the only difference being that the coaches know him now.

"It's not my comfort, it's more the coaches' comfort," Brown said. "Last year, I came Week 4, just a guy off the street and they didn't know me so I think they've become more comfortable with me."

During his season in Cleveland in 2018, Tyrod Taylor was the practice squad quarterback for Brown.

"It's like a stroll in the park for me and Tyrod," Brown said.

After a missed catch earlier in practice, tight end Kahale Warring bounced back with receptions from quarterbacks Jeff Driskel and Taylor.

Watching situational field-goal work was entertaining. After a quick play on third down, the offense raced off the field to make way for the field goal unit. Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn got plenty of practice and nailed 58-yard field goal.

Mark Ingram continued to impress in practice, making the most of his carries. He also video-bombed a post-practice interview with Rex Burkhead.

Lonnie Johnson said he feels like Lovie Smith defensive scheme is working for him. He had an interception on Saturday night and felt like he should have had another today.

Johnson answered questions from the media holding both of his daughters.

"I've got to provide for them," Johnson said. "Seeing them happy is what makes me happy the most. Just going out there and practicing hard. I've got no excuses, no complaints."

The Texans will return to the practice field on Tuesday for Houston Texans Training Camp presented by Xfinity. The team will travel to Green Bay this week for their first preseason game of 2021. Kickoff at Lambeau Field is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. CDT on ABC-13 and SportsRadio 610.