The Houston Texans kicked off Training Camp presented by Xfinity at the Houston Methodist Training Center practice fields. Led by first-year head coach David Culley, Wednesday's practice lasted approximately two hours with individual and team drills. Pads won't come on for a few more days as the team ramps up its work.
I felt a buzz. From my first time being here, my first time being a head coach, I felt like I was getting ready to play a game. Head Coach David Culley on the first day of Training Camp
Before practice began, Texans general manager Nick Caserio held a press conference and addressed a number of topics.
Caserio said the Texans made progress since spring on getting players vaccinated. The team made a number of changes and plans to remain flexible if more changes are needed in order to adhere to COVID-19 protocols.
The Texans have been active in making a number of roster moves this offseason. Caserio said the team currently has 50 new players in camp that were not with the club in 2020. He estimated a total of 79 working players in camp, not including those inactive right now.
As far as the roster goes, Caserio expects a lot of movement calling it "a day-to-day endeavor." In the past 48 hours, the team traded for wide receiver Anthony Miller and is currently "working through a situation with Randall Cobb." Caserio also may or may not have also joked about offering $100 to anyone who could correctly guess how many roster moves could happen in camp this year.
Deshaun Watson, who did not participate in the offseason workout program, arrived for practice and took part in individual periods. Watson passed a conditioning test and was in meetings, according to Caserio, but the general manager did not comment on any rumors or speculation regarding Watson's future or status.
"We'll take it one day at a time, ultimately we're going to do what we feel is best for the Houston Texans," Caserio said.
In 1-on-1 drills, defensive backs A.J. Moore, Terrence Brooks and Justin Reid impressed with consecutive pass breakups in their matchups.
Tight end Jordan Akins made a leaping catch to close out the period.
On the field, Romeo Crennel observed practice in his new role as the Texans senior advisor for football performance.
New number alert! Running back Mark Ingram is now No. 2, Anthony Miller is No. 3 and tight end Kahale Warring was catching passes wearing 87.
Fullback and Texas native Rex Burkhead covered every bit of exposed skin in the Houston heat, wearing long sleeves, gloves and leggings under his jersey and practice shorts.
Wide receiver Brandin Cooks made some impressive catches in traffic, one in particular came from quarterback Tyrod Taylor during team drills.
When asked about practice, Moore got some help from a familiar face in the media tent for his answer.
"Couldn't guard David Johnson," David Johnson said, laughing, as the running back waited for his turn to speak to the media.
Johnson had high praise for Tyrod Taylor, saying the quarterback's had great pocket presence. The two trained together in the offseason.
Players were enthusiastic when asked about the Texans newly-renovated locker rooms, especially sixth-year defensive lineman Brandon Dunn. Known as DJ Dunny, the resident disc jockey, Dunn says the updated locker rooms only amplify his job.
"I like to say we have disco lights, we can go between Battle Red and Liberty White and Deep Steel Blue with the lights," Dunn said. "It's a fun time. Cal (McNair) really hooked us up with the locker room. I'm really looking forward to getting a W and celebrating in that locker room in Week 1."
Training camp practice resumes on Thursday morning at the Houston Methodist Training Center. Marc Vandermeer and John Harris will provide live practice coverage weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and recap the day from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Texans Radio on SportsRadio 610.
