Three days into training camp, outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus hurt his hamstring. He missed the rest of camp and the first three preseason games, but will soon be back.
"He's doing good," head coach Gary Kubiak said Monday. "I'm expecting him on the practice field tomorrow. We'll probably do some extra work with him."
Just because the second-year defender will suit up tomorrow, however, doesn't mean he'll play in the preseason finale at Dallas.
"I think he's going to be in position to play Thursday," Kubiak said. "You'd always like a guy to play some in the preseason before the season starts. At the same time, we have to be smart. He's ready. He's got a good week of work."
Mercilus led all Texans linebackers last season with six sacks. He, along with Brooks Reed, was slated to be a starter at the position in 2013. Kubiak said Monday that the 2012 first round draft pick is at the forefront of his worries in preparing for the regular season.
"Probably my biggest concern is getting Whitney the reps," Kubiak said. "He's such a young player. Getting him back out there working with Cush (ILB Brian Cushing) and all the guys he's going to play with—working with Brooks.
"We've got to really get him back to work this week regardless of whether or not we play him Thursday at all."
