WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. – One of the most talented football players on the roster, Texans linebacker Christian Harris put in grueling hours last year preparing for what he had hoped would be a breakout season.
That included training in sand pits and doing defensive back drills to further accentuate his superior athleticism.
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Despite all of his work, Harris’ season went awry.
The former Alabama standout and third-round draft pick first injured his calf in July at training camp, there wasn’t even an inkling that a soft-tissue injury would sideline him the entire preseason as well as the first three months of the regular season. However, Harris had a setback as he aggravated his strained calf in August and was placed on injured reserve. Although he returned to action late in the season, he injured his ankle and missed the entire offseason.
Now, Harris is back and looked quick and decisive in his movements during a light walkthrough style practice Wednesday morning at The Greenbrier Sports and Performance Center. He lined up with the first-team defense next to team captain Azeez Al-Shaair.
Harris was joined in his return by running back Dameon Pierce who ran with the first-team offense. Pierce had been out most of the spring and at training camp with a strained quadriceps before being activated Monday from the physically unable to perform list. Pierce took the first-team snaps while Nick Chubb didn’t practice one day after leaving practice and walking out under his own power with a trainer. Chubb took a hard shot to the head Tuesday and was examined under NFL protocols governing head injuries, per league sources. He is expected to make a full recovery.
“Yeah, it’s dope to see those guys come back,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said after practice. “It’s not always easy. They feel like they’re isolated from the team and I think the most important thing is just getting them around us and around the guys. I think those guys are pivotal to our success and I’m excited to see those guys come back and work their tails off.”
He was limited to three games overall, 20 tackles and one sack one year removed from a 101-tackle, two-sack season during which he started 12 of 16 games played and displayed a high-energy, aggressive style of play. When he got back on the field, Harris injured his ankle and was sidelined again.
Harris and the Texans are hoping for a healthy 2025 season and the production he was generating two seasons ago.
With 4.44 speed in the 40-yard dash, Harris is faster than many of the running backs he competes against.
Harris played defensive back in high school in Baton Rouge, La.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans expressed confidence that the team can get Harris ready for the regular season.
“It’s not a challenge getting Christian back,” Ryans said. “It’s just a matter of him being in a good spot where he can come out and play well. He’s been dialed in. So, when he comes back, it’s nothing new to him. It’s just a matter of getting back into playing football. So, there’s no challenge there.”
A former fourth-round draft pick and Pro Bowl alternate from the University of Florida, Pierce is a power runner with some breakaway speed who doubles as a dangerous kickoff returner. With Joe Mixon still on the non-football injury list with an ankle-foot injury and making progress as he tries to get back in time for a season-opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Pierce’s return bolsters a think backfield that’s been led by Nick Chubb.
Pierce rushed for 293 yards and two touchdowns as the primary backup to Mixon last season. He has rushed for 1,648 career yards and eight touchdowns. He rushed for a career-high 939 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie starter and was honored with the NFL’s Angry Run of the Year award.
He averaged 37.7 yards per kickoff return with a long return of 80 yards. He had a 98-yard return for a touchdown three years ago.
Togiai impresses coaches
Reserve defensive tackle Tommy Togiai does a lot of things right, especially being a consistent physical presence at the line of scrimmage.
The former Cleveland Browns fourth-round draft pick from Ohio State joined the Texans last season and played in eight games, recording 28 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks and two tackles for losses. He’s an example of the outstanding depth for the Texans on defense.
“With Tommy, I talk about being consistent, growing every day,” Ryans said. “Tommy, if I had to bet, he’s our most consistent player probably on our team. He was in our building working on the first day in February. He’s in the weight room working out. He’s never missed a beat. He’s always working. He’s always doing it the right way.
“I can always highlight Tommy in a meeting because his technique, effort, everything is going to be on point every single time. It’s not by happenstance. This guy is working in the background to be where he is. So, it’s cool for younger guys to see a guy like Tommy who’s bounced around. But, he’s stuck here with us because it’s a guy you can trust.”
Preseason plan for C.J. Stroud likely means short night in Minnesota
If Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud plays Saturday night against the Minnesota Vikings along with other starters, it’s expected to be a short appearance.
Ideally for Stroud, he prefers to get some fast work in to get acclimated to full contact again.
Stroud played briefly in the second preseason game last season against the Pittsburgh Steelers after not playing in the Hall of Fame game last year against the Chicago Bears.
“It’s up to the coaches, whatever they feel is suited for me,” Stroud said. “I like to be out there and get hit once or twice or whatever just to feel the emotion again. It’s a little different than practice. But, whatever DeMeco decides, I’m good with that.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
