Texans OTAs thread (5/20-21, 23, 28-30, 6/3-6).

[drs23]

Something like that can happen at any time.

He could have been slightly over-trained. He could have actually injured it doing something else but didn't realize it or didn't realize how bad it was. Or the random factors might have just aligned and whammo.

UH-OH, is that a mandatory 4 game suspension like when Cush "over-trained?

 

[Playoffs]

SOTT Texans OTAs: Day Five Recap

...
- Brandon Harris returned to practice for the Texans and looked just as good after suffering a head injury last week when he collided with receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Harris once again showed some good ball skills and broke up some passes. He has been really active on defense, especially in team drills.

- Cornerback Brice McCain also returned to full speed. He was being held out of team drills to make sure he was comfortable with his broken foot that landed him on the injured reserve last season. McCain has been participating in individual drills and looked like he was getting his feet back under him in team drills. McCain showed he still has top end speed and is still one of the fastest players for the team on the field.

- We can’t go into particulars but the Texans’ special teams look like they are going to be much improved compared to last season. The addition of Shane Lechler and a healthy Randy Bullock should help out the Texans’ kicking and field position game. Also, there is a concentrated effort to get better on the back-end of the roster and find guys that can consistently contribute on special teams. It is a work in progress but initial signs have looked good from OTAs.

- Enough has not been said about the practices that Garrett Graham has put together. Graham has been running solid routes and the offense does not skip a beat with him with the first group. He looks like the tight end that the Texans want for the future and looks to be a key piece of the offense this season. He has really come into his own and has worked well with quarterback Matt Schaub.

- Rookie cornerback A.J. Bouye just makes plays in the secondary. He has batted down more passes than anyone in the secondary and always seems like he is in the right spot to make plays. He, like all of the rookies, struggled on Tuesday with new material but responded well today.

- Wide Receiver Alan Bonner is one of the more intriguing rookies out there for the Texans. Bonner dropped some easy passes where he was wide open but then showed some serious skills when he ran by a cornerback and caught a deep ball for a touchdown. Bonner has the ability to stretch the field and shows a skill set that made him a draftable player. He has a great get off from the line of scrimmage and can get in and out of breaks with ease. He is still rough around the edges but if Coach Kirksey can refine his skills, he can be a good one

- Ryan Griffin also falls into what makes him a rookie with his hot and cold moments on the field. He might be wrong on a depth of a route or drop a pass, but then he comes back and makes an impressive tight rope sideline catch. Griffin has been trying to work on his consistency during the OTA session and he is learning he can compete with these players. His shining moment was when he and D.J. Swearinger were going one on one in the team portion of practice and Griffin worked Swearinger with ease in the open field. His sheer size (6-6, 256 lbs.) and movement skills are impressive and he is bigger than any TE on the roster.
...

read more: http://www.stateofthetexans.com/texans-otas-day-5-recap/

 

[76Texan]

SOTT Texans OTAs: Day Five Recap

read more: http://www.stateofthetexans.com/texans-otas-day-5-recap/

Been saying that Bouye is a player.
His tapes impressed me a lot.

 

[beerlover]

Simply astounding to me how these kids come into camp & compete for a job. Makes UDFA process more important than previously imagined. Of course this is a reflection of Texans scouting department. Good job gentlemen

 

[thunderkyss]

SOTT Texans OTAs: Day Five Recap

Also, there is a concentrated effort to get better on the back-end of the roster and find guys that can consistently contribute on special teams. It is a work in progress but initial signs have looked good from OTAs.

29 UDFAs...... makes perfect sense now. I hope that's what we needed & not the other thing (because I don't see it happening at this point).

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

I'm wondering why Arian's strain occurred so easily. Maybe he over-trained during his workouts, and didn't rest the muscle long enough. What is the typical cause of that injury?

Something like that can happen at any time.

He could have been slightly over-trained. He could have actually injured it doing something else but didn't realize it or didn't realize how bad it was. Or the random factors might have just aligned and whammo.

Although this injury is typically seen as a result of overuse, calf strain can also occur suddenly if the muscle becomes over stretched for example when warm-up exercises have been missed out or are inadequate for the level of activity, causing the patient to over stretch the muscle while performing activities that require resistance against that muscle, such as running, kicking, jumping or skipping movements.

The way this particular injury is handled is extremely important in light of its high potential to re-injury......especially in a running back where recurrence can empirically be extremely troublesome.

 

[Playoffs]

Simply astounding to me how these kids come into camp & compete for a job. Makes UDFA process more important than previously imagined. Of course this is a reflection of Texans scouting department. Good job gentlemen

Agree, looking like a strong group of UDFAs the scouts put together & the team was able to sign.

 

[Playoffs]

Stephanie Stradley ‏@StephStradley
Texans OC Dennison wants Oline to impose their will in redzone with run. Rise of run gm no surprise to me

Andre Johnson's TD numbers artificially depressed due to nature of offense. Many targets, preference to run near goal line. Foster vultured.

When Kubiak came to #Texans he told Andre Johnson his reception numbers would go up. AJ was happy about that. And it came to pass.

I personally don't think Andre Johnson's 2012 numbers are too high a % of offense. Look at his (ab)normal rec numbers for 16 game seasons.

Asked Kubiak about the high % of offense going thru Andre Johnson in 2012. He told me "It's going to happen again."


PDS ‏@PatDStat
Alan Bonner had an impressive leaping catch today in tight coverage. Solid WR that just keeps getting better.

Sharpton taking 1st team ILB reps with Reed?

Had a chance to talk to Brandon Harris said he feels great after the concussion he suffered last week.

Best thing about OTAs get to see players get better. S Jawanza Starling has slowly been getting the defense down. Very aggressive. #Texans

Shiloh Keo and Kareem Jackson both had interceptions today. Keo had his off a tipped pass and Jackson with another solid play. #Texans

Pretty impressed with Matt Schaub today. Made to tough throws through some tight windows. Look sharp, best day of OTAs. #Texans

James Palmer ‏@JPalmerCSN
"He's got the tools of a big time player." Kubiak on Brandon Brooks. Kubiak says that he is #Texans starter at RG. #Texanstalk

Gary Kubiak says that next week will be a lot of work in the Redzone and situational teaching. #Texanstalk #Texans

 

[drs23]

Just love the OTA updates. Keep 'em coming!

 

[Playoffs]

Nick Scurfield ‏@NickScurfield 1h
“I’ve never seen him move like that before, all trim and cut up. Looks like a julienne salad.” Antonio Smith on @briancushing56

"Brian Cushing's gonna come back and be... 'Ultimate Cush.' Like the Ultimate Warrior." @antoniosmith94 #Texans

Kubiak on @JJWatt: “Special person, special player. We better enjoy it every day. They don’t come along like that very often.” #Texans

Gary Kubiak named S Eddie Pleasant & CB Brandon Harris a couple times this week as impressive young players #Texans

With Ed Reed out of OTAs, S DJ Swearinger has been working w/ the 1st-team defense in dime along w/ Keo, D. Manning #Texans

Gary Kubiak on OTAs: "I think it’s been really good. I like the focus. It’s a good group. They know how to work." #Texans

The #Texans finished their 2nd week of OTAs today. 4 more practices next week, then a 3-day mini-camp June 11-13

Gary Kubiak on DJ Swearinger: "He’s got a ton of confidence. He just walks out here like he belongs, and he does." #Texans


PDS ‏@PatDStat 2h
Watching the #Texans DBs work in group together is fun to see. There is constant competition and Vance Joseph is a non stop worker.

Ninja also added "J.J. just gave them to me, I didn't have to do anything for them." #Texans

Talked to Ninja about wearing the MegaWatts[shoes] yesterday to practice, he said "J.J. knew I better have been the first one to get them."


Lance Zierlein ‏@LanceZierlein 2h
Gary Kubiak says 2nd year guard Brandon Brooks is the starter and that the job is his to lose. Brooks is powerful & down 25 pounds this yr


PDS ‏@PatDStat 2h
Scheme plays a big part in draft boards, just interesting to see what other teams have as grades for players. #Texans

Hopkins (2nd) Swearinger (3rd) Brennan Williams (5th) Trevardo Williams (7th) David Quessenberry (7th) Other picks were not on board.

According to the leaked Cowboys draft board they had the following round grades on the #Texans draft picks.


Tania Ganguli ‏@taniaganguli 3h
Smith's contract poses a cap problem as it stands right now. Will blog some more in a second.

Antonio Smith said he's told #Texans he wants to spend the rest of his career in Houston. Said team told him they're open to an extension.


James Palmer ‏@JPalmerCSN
J.J. Watt says the biggest growth he's seen in Earl Mitchell is his confidence.

Gary Kubiak says that next week will be a lot of work in the Redzone and situational teaching.

 

[Playoffs]

[IMGwidthsize=400]http://www.stateofthetexans.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Team-602x420.jpg[/IMG]

SOTT Texans OTAs: Day Six Recap

...
- Starting quarterback Matt Schaub looked the best today that he has all off season. Schaub threw some nice passes into tight spaces that only his wide receivers could catch. His best throw came on the sidelines when he threw a strike to Keshawn Martin over two defenders 30 yards down field on a sideline route. It was a throw that we haven’t seen him throw often, but he was looking for Martin on the field to tell him nice catch. It was the first day Schaub looked really focused and actually showed emotion on the field after completing passes. He pushed the ball down field just out of the reach of Lestar Jean, but threw the ball effectively otherwise. Schaub’s knowledge of the offense is impressive to watch and it is evident when he goes through his progressions on the field. He makes it look easy compared to the other three quarterbacks.

- It will be interesting to see what happens when Ed Reed returns, but there is a good competition between Eddie Pleasant and Shiloh Keo for one of the safety positions. Pleasant has taken a solid step in his progression as a safety and even knowing what the defense is asking. Pleasant has quick feet and has shown he can play against the better offensive players on the field. Fellow teammates like Brandon Harris and Johnathan Joseph have talked about Pleasant and the early impression he has made in OTAs.
...
- Alan Bonner had the catch of the day when he went high and elevated over a defender in traffic to haul a pass in from T.J. Yates. There was some positive chatter from his teammates watching from the sidelines. Bonner has shown his athletic ability like this more than once and today was another example.
...

read more: http://www.stateofthetexans.com/texans-otas-day-six-recap/

 

[Texans_Chick]

Thursday quote sheet.

Head Coach Gary Kubiak
DE J.J. Watt

Head Coach Gary Kubiak
(on RG Brandon Brooks) “It’s been really good. The biggest thing is any time you’ve got a young player and you say, ‘Okay, you’re a starter.’ The best thing you can have happen is that you don’t really notice him. And that’s kind of what’s happened. He went in there, he’s done his job. He understands what we’re doing now. He’s got the tools of a big-time player. So it will all just be up to him. He’s come a long way. I think he’s very comfortable in his own skin right now in what he’s doing and feeling good about himself.”

(on Brandon Brooks being penciled in as the starter at right guard) “He’s right there. That’s his. He’s got to line up every day and earn it. I think he worked through it last year and at the end of last year I think he was playing that way so I think he’s earned the opportunity to be that guy, so we’ll see if he can hang on.”

(on the relationship between WR DeAndre Hopkins and WR Andre Johnson) “It’s good. I’ll tell you what, when I watch it, to be honest with you, I think (WR) Andre (Johnson) first just because Andre’s just always had such a load on this team of bringing on players and teaching and he’s got enough stuff on his own plate. But here we go again. But that’s what he’s all about and he’s done a really good job with the young man. He’s on overload right now, the kid, but he’s pushing and hanging in there. I think (WR) Keshawn (Martin) and (WR) Lestar (Jean) have come a long way, so it’s the best group of young guys we’ve had to work with and we’ve got to get them all in the right spot.”

(on any new injuries) “We’re fine. (LG) Wade (Smith) got nicked a little bit at the end of practice, got his elbow hit. But I think he’s fine. We’ve had a good clean week, other than the (RB) Arian (Foster) situation. We’ll take our time and get him healthy.”

(on the Texans’ secondary) “Well first off, we’ve got great leadership back there with (CB Johnathan Joseph) J-Joe and (SS Danieal Manning) D Manning. I’m real impressed right now with the young guys. When I look at (SS) Eddie Pleasant, what he’s become watching him. (FS) D.J. (Swearinger), obviously I’ve talked about him enough. (CB) Brandon Harris making plays out here every day. You see first-, second-, third-year players all the sudden start acting like five- or six-year players. And that’s the key to the team.”

(on what he’s seen from rookie FS D.J. Swearinger after two weeks) “Confidence. He’s got a ton of confidence. He just walks out here like he belongs and he does. I mean, he’s got a ton of ability. He’s a smart player. When the ball is close to him, he’s going to make the play. That’s the difference between a good player and a great player in this league is being in the right spot and making big plays when you get there. He’s got a chance to make those plays.”

(on if rookie FS D.J. Swearinger is getting more opportunities with FS Ed Reed not being at OTAs) “Oh, yeah. He’s basically a starter out here from the standpoint of what we do dime-wise right now and working with (FS Shiloh) Keo. But working with a lot of starter reps. But he’s going to be called on very quickly and he’s sure acting like he can do it. We’ll just keep our fingers crossed, keep going.”

(on if he notices the year one confidence level of safeties Shiloh Keo, Eddie Pleasant and D.J. Swearinger) “You notice a difference in their confidence with our defense and what they’re doing. When guys start to get that way all their athletic skill starts to show up. They don’t slow down, they speed up when they get confidence in what they’re doing. So that’s what you see.”

(on if there is a difference in the confidence level FS D.J. Swearinger has from that of FS Shiloh Keo and SS Eddie Pleasant in their first years) “I don’t know. I think there’s been an acceleration with (FS) D.J. (Swearinger) with the fact that (FS) Ed (Reed) is not here. So it’s been a quick push, so it’s showed up maybe a little bit quicker. Hey, that’s part of our business, that’s where we’re at, so we’ve got to get that done.”

(on having a player as great as DE J.J. Watt be such a standout in the community) “He’s amazing. I always worry about guys. I always tell them, ‘If you’ve got too much on your plate, let me know. I’ll help you because we’ve got to have you playing good football.’ He’s one of those guys that does so many things. I’ve never heard him complain one time. A special person, a special player, so we better enjoy it every day because they don’t come along like that very often.”

(on people concerned with the percentage of offense that went through WR Andre Johnson last year) “Tell them a big percentage is going to go through him again.”

DE J.J. Watt
(on being a more vocal leader on defense) “It’s been going well. I’m doing a little bit more talking than I’ve done in the past but like I said at the beginning, it all starts with my play. If I’m not playing well, nobody wants to follow me. I’m just trying to make sure I’m the best player I can be.”

(on what he has seen from the team two weeks into OTAs) “We’ve got workers. We’ve got guys that are committed. We have guys who come out here every day and are focused on getting better and that’s all you can do right now in this period, with no pads on. All you can do is focus on your technique and getting better.”

(on how NT Earl Mitchell has stepped up) “(NT) Earl (Mitchell) is playing great. Earl’s been a guy who got a lot of snaps last year. He knows how to play. He knows what it’s like to be in that starter role and he’s stepped in and it’s been seamless. He’s playing very well for us.”

(on if it has been said to him that this is his team) “In my exit interview after last season with coach (Gary) Kubiak, we talked a little bit about my leadership role and taking a new step forward but for me it’s more gradual. Obviously, I was very fortunate to be named a captain halfway through last year; just as I go, I’m just trying to take on a little bit more role each time. I’m a young kid and there’s a lot of vets on this team and I’m just trying to earn my stripes and prove that I belong and prove to the young guys what it takes to get here.”

(on if any of his offseason activities, including visiting Afghanistan helped develop his leadership skills) “Of course. I think it all helps. I think, any time that you have an opportunity to go see different power structures, different men in the military who have different ranks and you see how things work and the way people handle it, it’s definitely an advantage and it helps you in your own leadership capabilities.”

(on what he’s trying to improve on his game now) “I’m working on everything. I do a lot well but I can do everything better. There’s little things. There’s a lot of little technique things. I’m going to be seeing a lot of double and triple teams, just like I did last year, so just finding new ways to improve. I mean, there’s always ways to improve no matter how good you are, you can always get better.”

(on offensive coordinators scheming to stop him) “That’s good. I mean, I enjoy that. I’ve always said it; if you’re focused on just stopping me, you’re going to have a headache because you have to deal with (DE) Antonio Smith, (ILB) Brian Cushing, (OLB) Whitney Mercilus, (OLB) Brooks Reed, all those guys. I welcome all the challenges. I welcome every double team. I welcome every chip block. But I’m always working my tail off to make sure I’m prepared for that.”

(on the Houston Texans’ Super Bowl aspirations) “If there’s a football team in this league right now that is not thinking about a Super Bowl, then show me them because that’s crazy. Every single team in this team is thinking about a Super Bowl right now and we’re no different. We’ve been to the playoffs, we’ve won division championships. Logically, that’s the next step and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

(on being able to help in the community and play well) “It’s awesome. The way this community has embraced me, I’m trying to do everything I can to give back and show them that I appreciate them. And we have such great fans. Everywhere you go, you see so many fans and they’re so great and any chance I get, I’d much rather give back to the fans than play a video game or watch a television show. So instead of sitting on my couch, I’m trying to go out into the community and help every chance I can.”

(on if he is enjoying spending time with his team at OTAs) “Absolutely. I think that’s one thing about our team, we have great chemistry. The offseason stuff is fun. I’ve had a lot of great opportunities this offseason but on the field, that’s home to me. This is where I feel the most comfortable. This is where there’s no distractions. I just get to enjoy the game. I get to play my craft and be around my teammates. I’m having a blast and so it was a welcome sight for me to get back on the field. I enjoy it very much.”

(on the play of NT Earl Mitchell) “(NT) Earl (Mitchell) is playing great. Earl has played great in the past. He knows what it’s like to be a starter in this league. He’s playing starter reps and he’s continuing to grow and he’s continuing to get better. He’s getting more confidence and I think that’s the biggest thing.”

(on what the defensive line needs to improve on) “We have a very good defensive line but we can always get better. I mean, there’s a couple sacks we can get back, there’s some tackles we need to make. I think the run game, I think we need to shore up that run game, especially when we’re in our dime personnel when we’re in the run game, we want to make sure we shore that up.”

(on if there is a young player who has caught his eye in the last two weeks) “I think one guy who has stepped in very nicely is (ILB Darryl) Sharpton. Sharpton is playing well. He’s gaining some confidence out there. He’s playing good football and you can tell as the days go on, he gets more and more confident in himself and that’s what these days are for. That’s what these practices are for, gaining confidence.”

(on what it will mean to the defense when ILB Brian Cushing is back healthy) “It’s huge. (ILB) Brian Cushing is a player you love having out there because he flies around, he makes plays. He’s got a lot of energy and he’s a great football player and any time he’s on the field with you, you’re confident. I’m excited to get him back and we can’t wait to have him out here at practice.”

(on NT Earl Mitchell saying that he is the best teammate he’s ever had because he makes everyone want to be better) “That’s a great compliment. I appreciate it and I think that’s my goal. Every day that I come to work, I’m trying to be the best I can and hopefully I’m pushing everybody around me. I think on this team, nobody likes to be complacent, nobody wants to be comfortable with second place running sprints, whether we’re doing a lift in the weight room or if we’re out here at practice. We’re all trying to be the best. If I’m out front, I’m trying to (pull) everyone along with me and if somebody else is out front, I’m trying to catch them. That’s just kind of the way we work.”

(on the difference for him in receiving national fame in addition to local fame) “It’s cool, man. It’s pretty cool. I enjoy it. I mean, this is the type of stuff you dream about as a kid. You dream about all these things that I get to do now. But for me, at the end of the day, it all comes back to on this field and that weight room and working hard because as quickly; I guess it’s come over so many years, but it can go away so quickly. You work so hard. You work your entire life to build up something like this and it could be taken away so quickly if you don’t play well. I’m trying to make it last as long as possible so every single day I’m putting in the work.”

(on how special it is that he makes people around him better) “It’s very special. It means a lot to me. To hear a teammate say something like that, it’s very special. I can only hope I continue that for my entire career because that’s the ultimate goal. It’s nice to play good for yourself but when you can make people around you better, that’s what it’s all about.”

 

[Texans_Chick]

(on people concerned with the percentage of offense that went through WR Andre Johnson last year) “Tell them a big percentage is going to go through him again.”

OK that may have been the funniest response to a question I have ever heard. I wish I had it on video because his facial expression was a mix of WTF and GTFO. I barely finished the question before he answered it. I don't think it is on video because most cameras had run away by then. I sniped the question in the end.

This what I wrote about it on Twitter:

Stephanie Stradley ‏@StephStradley 8h
Kubiak's facial expression to my q turned into words -> RT @davidmillican: This is ANDRE FREAKING JOHNSON guys. You give that guy the ball

Kevin Cooper was the Texans PR head who was recording that interview for the transcripts:

Kevin Cooper ‏@kevincooper44 7h
@StephStradley @davidmillican I was there and couldn't agreee more. That face was priceless.



Mostly asked the question for the fantasy football folks who wonder if the emergence of a possible real #2 means significantly decreased touches for AJ. Also asked the question because I've heard that point of view a lot, and think it is dumb. But I like putting out those questions that people think Are Concerns so that Texans folks can just address them and move on.

 

[ObsiWan]

OK that may have been the funniest response to a question I have ever heard. I wish I had it on video because his facial expression was a mix of WTF and GTFO. I barely finished the question before he answered it. I don't think it is on video because most cameras had run away by then. I sniped the question in the end.

This what I wrote about it on Twitter:

Stephanie Stradley ‏@StephStradley 8h
Kubiak's facial expression to my q turned into words -> RT @davidmillican: This is ANDRE FREAKING JOHNSON guys. You give that guy the ball

Kevin Cooper was the Texans PR head who was recording that interview for the transcripts:

Kevin Cooper ‏@kevincooper44 7h
@StephStradley @davidmillican I was there and couldn't agreee more. That face was priceless.

I used this because there's not a "Well DUUUH" smiley


and thanks loads for keeping us in the know.

 

[Playoffs]

I used this because there's not a "Well DUUUH" smiley

How about...

 

[Playoffs]

D.J. Swearinger impressing Texans in accelerated role

With Ed Reed missing OTAs because of a hip injury, rookie safety D.J. Swearinger has been getting valuable reps with the Texans’ first-team defense.

Swearinger, a second-round draft pick from South Carolina, is working mostly with the second unit in base defense and with the first unit in dime packages along with safeties Danieal Manning and Shiloh Keo.

“I think there’s been an acceleration with D.J. with the fact that Ed is not here,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said Thursday. “So it’s been a quick push.

“He’s basically a starter out here from the standpoint of what we do dime-wise right now and working with Keo. (He’s) working with a lot of starter reps. He’s going to be called on very quickly, and he’s sure acting like he can do it. We’ll just keep our fingers crossed, keep going.”
...

read more: http://www.houstontexans.com/news/a...ted-role/16dcab80-fb85-4943-ad9e-6b703a32d0a6

 

[ObsiWan]

How about...

Yeah, that works

 

[Playoffs]

Stephanie Stradley ‏@StephStradley

@HoustonTexans OTAs: Kubiak would not characterize D being ahead of O. Said great things about [Brandon Brooks] @bbrooks_79 physical condition.

@HoustonTexans OTAs: Kubiak not happy w/young player mistakes today. He says some of them were "on me." Seeing how much young guys can learn

@HoustonTexans OTAs: As Kubiak promised last week, today was more situational/red zone work. #Texans

Tania Ganguli ‏@taniaganguli

Kubiak on new starting NT Earl Mitchell: "Everything this offseason, not just OTAs, has indicated that Earl's ready for his turn." #Texans

Bit of a sloppy practice today. Gary Kubiak said he put a lot on their plate, attributed sloppiness to that. #Texans

Nick Scurfield ‏@NickScurfield

Gary Kubiak on OLB Whitney Mercilus: "Very young player, but he’s obviously much improved in everything he’s done." #Texans

Gary Kubiak on NT @EarlMitchell92: "Earl's obviously a starter, and he acts like one right now." #Texans

 

[Playoffs]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap10...than-joseph-returns-to-houston-texans-healthy

"I'm just glad to have it[two sports hernias] behind me," [Johnathan] Joseph said. "I'm feeling better than I've ever felt. ... And I'm having probably the best OTAs (organized team activities) I've had in four or five years."

 

[Playoffs]

Nick Scurfield ‏@NickScurfield

“It’s been a long year for me. I can’t sleep at night. I think about football all the time." @DPo8 #Texans

WR DeVier Posey (Achilles) expects to be on the field next week doing drills. Has been running on an anti gravity treadmill #Texans





.

 

[Corrosion]

Nick Scurfield ‏@NickScurfield

“It’s been a long year for me. I can’t sleep at night. I think about football all the time." @DPo8 #Texans

WR DeVier Posey (Achilles) expects to be on the field next week doing drills. Has been running on an @Alter_G #Texans

(for those that don't know , that's an anti-gravity treadmill)


Sounds like he's made a miraculous recovery if he's planning on being on the field next week .... He might make it difficult for those other young receivers to make the roster. Mael , Jean and Co better step it up ....

 

[PapaL]

(for those that don't know , that's an anti-gravity treadmill)


Sounds like he's made a miraculous recovery if he's planning on being on the field next week .... He might make it difficult for those other young receivers to make the roster. Mael , Jean and Co better step it up ....

Learn something new every day. Interesting...

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

(for those that don't know , that's an anti-gravity treadmill)


Sounds like he's made a miraculous recovery if he's planning on being on the field next week .... He might make it difficult for those other young receivers to make the roster. Mael , Jean and Co better step it up ....

Texans WR DeVier Posey (Achilles') is expected to be on the field "doing drills" at next week's minicamp.

Coach Gary Kubiak recently classified Posey's recovery as "ahead of schedule," and this is confirmation. Posey has been running on an anti-gravity treadmill, and his next step is to get on the field. We wouldn't expect him to do a whole lot, but it's a sign that the second-year wideout could contribute in 2013. Jun 3 - 6:07 PM
Source: Nick Scurfield on Twitter

link

*******************************************************************************

I'm certainly rooting for the kid, but "next step to get on the field"? "doing drills"? "this is a confirmation"?

To put this in perspective, it is important to understand the antigravity treadmill technology which was originally developed at NASA. It has been used for training runners, rehabbing stroke and Parkinson’s patients as well as rehabbing sports injuries for years. The treadmill works by pumping air into an enclosure that surrounds users from the waist down. They zip themselves in, and an increase in air pressure lifts them so they can run at a fraction of their actual weight (pressing the up/down arrows on the control panel decreases body weight at increments of 1 percent, as much as 80 percent). The reduction lowers the impact on joints and muscles to improve training and performance or help provide a smoother recovery from injury or surgery. Speed and incline are adjustable as with any treadmill. Running on this treadmill is very controlled. You're harnessed in so securely that you really don't feel any balance issues. Balance is obviously mandatory in unaided running stability........and that is a very big jump, and is the point where concern for injury/setback begins. The only controlled study with this treadmill has shown that it does not necessarily have any significant effect on the time that the patient is actually ready for “outside” running. However, the main advantage of this device is as a tool that allows the physician/trainer to determine when it is appropriate to most safely begin running outside (this has always been a problem). The criteria as determined by the study was allowing the patient to run outside after being able to run for at least 10minutes on the anti gravity treadmill at 85% of body weight.

 

[thunderkyss]

link

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I'm certainly rooting for the kid, but "next step to get on the field"? "doing drills"? "this is a confirmation"?

To put this in perspective

Doc... you mentioned before that Devier suffered a complete rupture of his Achilles. I've googled about as much as I can & haven't found anything that specific. Do you have info not available to the public?

Is it possible that it was not a complete tear?

 

[cuppacoffee]

link

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I'm certainly rooting for the kid, but "next step to get on the field"? "doing drills"? "this is a confirmation"?

To put this in perspective, it is important to understand the antigravity treadmill technology which was originally developed at NASA. It has been used for training runners, rehabbing stroke and Parkinson’s patients as well as rehabbing sports injuries for years. The treadmill works by pumping air into an enclosure that surrounds users from the waist down. They zip themselves in, and an increase in air pressure lifts them so they can run at a fraction of their actual weight (pressing the up/down arrows on the control panel decreases body weight at increments of 1 percent, as much as 80 percent). The reduction lowers the impact on joints and muscles to improve training and performance or help provide a smoother recovery from injury or surgery. Speed and incline are adjustable as with any treadmill. Running on this treadmill is very controlled. You're harnessed in so securely that you really don't feel any balance issues. Balance is obviously mandatory in unaided running stability........and that is a very big jump, and is the point where concern for injury/setback begins. The only controlled study with this treadmill has shown that it does not necessarily have any significant effect on the time that the patient is actually ready for “outside” running. However, the main advantage of this device is as a tool that allows the physician/trainer to determine when it is appropriate to most safely begin running outside (this has always been a problem). The criteria as determined by the study was allowing the patient to run outside after being able to run for at least 10minutes on the anti gravity treadmill at 85% of body weight.

Would be nice if one of these could be fabricated in the horizontal position so us old folks with bad backs or limited pulmonary function could...awh...just wishful thinking.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Doc... you mentioned before that Devier suffered a complete rupture of his Achilles. I've googled about as much as I can & haven't found anything that specific. Do you have info not available to the public?

Is it possible that it was not a complete tear?

Good question. Anything is possible. However, we have to go by the information that has been released thus far as being accurate. Posey was quoted as feeling as though her were "shot" when it happens. This description or a "snap" or a "pop" are all classic for describing what is felt when an Achilles ruptures. Rupture implies complete tear as opposed to partial tear.

From just one Feb 9 Chronicle article:

Meanwhile, Texans receiver DeVier Posey, 22, underwent surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered in the Jan. 13 playoff loss at New England. It's too early in the rehab process to determine when he might be able to return.

I would love to claim this was a partial tear. However, putting the pieces together (if they are reported accurately), Posey experienced a complete tear.

Photo taken immediately after his injury affords additional valuable affirmation.

In the "Matles Test" the patient lies prone and the knee is flexed to ~90 deg. Any dorsiflexion of the foot indicates a ruptured (complete) tendon. Dorsiflexion in the supine position would be excrutiatingly painful for a partial tear.

Posey was later positioned when carted off with his knee straight and toes down to relax (remove the tension from) the Achilles tendon rupture/gastrocnemius muscle spasm.

Keep in mind that with a complete rupture a player may still be able to dorsiflex his foot, and he may experience only minor pain and swelling.

 

[paycheck71]

(for those that don't know , that's an anti-gravity treadmill)


Sounds like he's made a miraculous recovery if he's planning on being on the field next week .... He might make it difficult for those other young receivers to make the roster. Mael , Jean and Co better step it up ....

Even with all that it still doesn't sound like he'll be playing before sometime in October.

Mark Berman @MarkBermanFox26
Texans receiver DeVier Posey, on the bounce back from a torn achilles: "I should be on the field next week doing drills."

Mark Berman @MarkBermanFox26
Texans DeVier Posey, on return from torn achilles to game action: "End of September or October. "I think I'm as far along as I can be."

 

[Playoffs]

Nick Scurfield ‏@NickScurfield
The entire #Texans team will attend Wednesday's memorial at Reliant Stadium for the 4 Houston firefighters killed in a motel fire last week

PDS ‏@PatDStat
Johnathan Joseph who sat today was coaching up as much as he could. Especially helping out the rookies on what to look for. #Texans

#Texans practice was at an high tempo in the redzone work. WRs and DBs are always pushing each other to get better.

Swearinger is a smart player. Shows a nice skill set to play press man and deep safety. More impressed w/him lining up the secondary.

Talked to DeVier Posey "I have been running on an air treadmill and should start running on the field next week sometime." #Texans

Hopkins understands how to create on broken plays. Made a tough catch over McCain on one. #Texans

Rookie TE Ryan Griffin also showed some pass catching skills. His 6-6 frame is a weapon itself. A viable redzone target. #Texans

Brandon Harris has a good day today. Him and Jean were a fun matchup to watch in the endzone. #Texans

Jeff Maehl and Lestar Jean also made some impressive catches today in the endzone. #Texans

It was the Alan Bonner show today. Made some tough catches today. #Texans

Hot day today at camp. Regular vets say today. All healthy. #Texans

Stephanie Stradley ‏@StephStradley
@HoustonTexans OTAs: Some vet players sat today giving young players opportunities. Bonner, Jean had some tough catches

@HoustonTexans OTAs: Team did more redzone work. Kubiak noted he liked to give different young guys opps w/1s, like Case Keenum today.

James Palmer ‏@JPalmerCSN
Kubiak said Martin and Jean took a ton of reps with the ones today and might be the two most improved players in camp


.

 

[thunderkyss]

Good question. Anything is possible. However, we have to go by the information that has been released thus far as being accurate.

I appreciate your whole post. But along the lines of "the information that has been released thus far...... "

That also includes Posey getting on the field next week & being "ahead of schedule"

Doesn't that point to less than a complete tear?

 

[Brisco_County]

At this point, the consistency of reports about Bonner impressing has become noteworthy.

 

[michaelm]

At this point, the consistency of reports about Bonner impressing has become noteworthy.

I agree. He is consistently receiving positive comments from more than a few different sources.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

I appreciate your whole post. But along the lines of "the information that has been released thus far...... "

That also includes Posey getting on the field next week & being "ahead of schedule"

Doesn't that point to less than a complete tear?

Not necessarily. For one, when I see "ahead of schedule," I tend to break into a sweat. Secondly, if I were allowed, I could be "getting on the field" next to Posey during mini-camp. What will he be doing while "on the field" is the question. At almost 5 months, light running on the field is not miraculous. Deon Hall had his Achilles re-attached in November of 2012, was doing light running by 4 months and backpedaling and coning before 5 months. But he was not medically cleared thereafter for OTAs or mini-camps. He was finally released just prior to TC, 8 months post surgery.

So much is made about truly early return of players from severe injuries such as Achilles tendon tears that we fail to appreciate that most players still follow the older established recovery times. There is a very good reason that many very good physicians do not take the chance with their Achilles patients to return too early just to say that they were "ahead of schedule." As serious an injury as a primary rupture can be, those 5% that go on to re-rupture can be catastrophic. But I'll be waiting just like you to see what really happens.

 

[CretorFrigg]

I'm really liking what I hear about Martin. If he pans out, he could be the small, quick slot guy we need.

 

[Texans_Chick]

During OTA's, players rehabbing injuries do running work supervised by trainers on a completely different field.

Media is not supposed to take pictures of that activity.

So, when Antonio Smith is giving rave reports about how Cushing looks, it is partially based on seeing him do work on the separate field. If you didn't know Cushing was hurt last year, you would not be able to tell watching him run.

So I am guessing Posey will be joining Cushing over there. Eventually, I expect to see Foster on that side field.

Lots of good plays by wide receivers during red zone drills.

Just about all the WRs had some good gets, though Bonner and Jean probably had the flashiest ones in traffic. Bonner made one that it looked like he was going to go out the back corner and managed to stay inbounds. Texans staffers near by gave him the TD signal.

 

[badboy]

With Hopkins and Martin doing well, I hope they do not rush Posey back. Going into playoffs, our WR corps could be very good, especially if Jean could contribute.

 

[Porky]

The reports on Bonner are encouraging, but more than one guy has looked good in camp or even preseason games only to be a big fat zero.

I didn't like the pick, and I would be more than happy to eat a big ole plate of crow.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Would be nice if one of these could be fabricated in the horizontal position so us old folks with bad backs or limited pulmonary function could...awh...just wishful thinking.

Recumbency is not necessary. These machines have been used successfully for patients with extremely severe back disc problems and since these can be set to almost no gravity, pulmonary patients are also able to us them to obtain aerobic benefits.

The downside is the device's cost. The cheapest found in some gyms runs ~$30-35,000. These gyms usually charge $100-200 per month or separately per visit or by the minute for its use. The ones, like used here in the Med Center for injury rehab run more than $75, 000-100,000.

Keep in mind the company producing these various models disclaim medical benefits from all but its most expensive "medical" units.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

During OTA's, players rehabbing injuries do running work supervised by trainers on a completely different field.

Media is not supposed to take pictures of that activity.

So, when Antonio Smith is giving rave reports about how Cushing looks, it is partially based on seeing him do work on the separate field. If you didn't know Cushing was hurt last year, you would not be able to tell watching him run.

So I am guessing Posey will be joining Cushing over there. Eventually, I expect to see Foster on that side field.

Lots of good plays by wide receivers during red zone drills.

Just about all the WRs had some good gets, though Bonner and Jean probably had the flashiest ones in traffic. Bonner made one that it looked like he was going to go out the back corner and managed to stay inbounds. Texans staffers near by gave him the TD signal.

As always thanks for your updates and comments.

 

[b0ng]

During OTA's, players rehabbing injuries do running work supervised by trainers on a completely different field.

Media is not supposed to take pictures of that activity.

So, when Antonio Smith is giving rave reports about how Cushing looks, it is partially based on seeing him do work on the separate field. If you didn't know Cushing was hurt last year, you would not be able to tell watching him run.

So I am guessing Posey will be joining Cushing over there. Eventually, I expect to see Foster on that side field.

Lots of good plays by wide receivers during red zone drills.

Just about all the WRs had some good gets, though Bonner and Jean probably had the flashiest ones in traffic. Bonner made one that it looked like he was going to go out the back corner and managed to stay inbounds. Texans staffers near by gave him the TD signal.

You've seen a few OTAs, tell us with a comparison to previous years WRs corps how the 2013 version stacks up. Are they better/worse than the 2012 squad?

 

[thunderkyss]

Deon Hall had his Achilles re-attached in November of 2012, was doing light running by 4 months and backpedaling and coning before 5 months. But he was not medically cleared thereafter for OTAs or mini-camps. He was finally released just prior to TC, 8 months post surgery.

So much is made about truly early return of players from severe injuries such as Achilles tendon tears that we fail to appreciate that most players still follow the older established recovery times.

So the baseline is 8 months for a complete rupture? Which would be some time in August....

 

[ObsiWan]

So the baseline is 8 months for a complete rupture? Which would be some time in August....

Still.... I'd rather see Posey PUP'd. Why rush him back?

 

[Playoffs]

PDS ‏@PatDStat 1h
Rookie offenisve lineman David Quessenberry said being drafted by the #Texans was an honor, and doesn't want to disappoint them.

Graham laughed when we talked about his first career catch coming from the arm of Jake Delhomme in the last game of the 2011 season vs. Tenn

Graham his rookie and second season played on scout team and was buried behind OD, Dresseen and Casey. #Texans

Graham says the 4 year wait to get to where he is now, "has taken some time but it was well worth the wait." #Texans

With Daniels taking some OTAs off. Graham says it has helped him run different routes and make him think differently with the 1s. #Texans

Graham said he has been playing both TE positions and the offense. Pointed out it has helped him to understand the offense better. #Texans

Had a good talk with Garrett Graham after practice. Said he feels "100%" after his concussion issues from last season. #Texans

James Palmer ‏@JPalmerCSN 4h
Keenum worked with the ones today and threw 6 TDs in redzone drills. Kubiak was very impressed. #Texanstalk #Texans

"We're counting on some really young guys helping this team quick and the only way to get them there is to throw it at them." Kubiak #Texans

Ryan Griffin was finding space and catching TDs, but Bonner had catch of the day. back corner stretched out & 2 ft in. #texans #Texanstalk

Tania Ganguli ‏@taniaganguli 4h
Also noticed rookie TE Ryan Griffin got open quite a bit. #Texans

Red zone offense looked much better today than yesterday. Saw 13 TD catches, including 3 nice ones by Lestar Jean. #Texans

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

So the baseline is 8 months for a complete rupture? Which would be some time in August....

Still.... I'd rather see Posey PUP'd. Why rush him back?

Expanded quotes from Kubiak today:

(on how far WR DeVier Posey has come in his rehab) “He’s doing great but he can only do so much. He’s doing everything he can do. The old ‘ahead of schedule,’ that applies here. But remember, we’re making a decision on him at the end of camp because of the PUP and those type of things. He’s doing everything he can. He’s going to come back and he’s going to play for us next year. How early is the question.”

(on if he likes seeing WR DeVier Posey out at OTAs helping out) “He’s making sure he gets better because the biggest thing he struggled with last year was just catching up on what we do. Once he did, he was very competitive and played well for us. He’s staying involved in that and that will help him when he comes back.”

 

[Playoffs]

James Palmer ‏@JPalmerCSN
#Texans RT Brennan Williams thinks he won't be back at practice until training camp. #Texanstalk.

Story here. http://bit.ly/10OSCcl

“I think I’m close,” Williams said. “I think I’m going to run out of time before I’m actually cleared to play. I think I’m going to be fine. I think we’re going to be out of minicamp by the time they say, ‘Go ahead and do everything.’”

PDS ‏@PatDStat
#Texans worked out TE Billy Bajema today according to @RavensInsider. Makes me believe the Supernaw injury is one that will take time.

TE Garrett Graham talked highly of rookie Ryan Griffin. Graham said "Griff is going to help this team." #Texans


SOTT--Texans OTAs: Day Seven Recap

It was a hot day for the Houston Texans and probably one of the more fast paced practices of the OTAs. The Texans concentrated on red zone offense and defense which upped the intensity on the field.

It was a normal off day for some veterans but the team was running full speed during the last official week of OTAs...

 

[thunderkyss]

Expanded quotes from Kubiak today:

Thanks, but that doesn't help.

Is 8 months the baseline, which would be August? If he's truly ahead of schedule, would that mean before August (it would if 8 months is the baseline)

If he's ready to participate in practice in October, is that "ahead of schedule"

That's all I'm trying to do, establish a baseline.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Thanks, but that doesn't help.

Is 8 months the baseline, which would be August? If he's truly ahead of schedule, would that mean before August (it would if 8 months is the baseline)

If he's ready to participate in practice in October, is that "ahead of schedule"

That's all I'm trying to do, establish a baseline.

I don't consider him ahead of schedule. Rather, ifs there is any truth to his present status, he would be considered on schedule. Eight months would be a reasonable time to expect him to be back on the contact field. But closer to 10-12 months would still probably be the more realistic time to expect him to become "contributory."

Taking everything I know at this point, including likely having a WR corps that is expected to be (barring injury) more solid than last year going into the beginning of the season, I would tend to feel more comfortable putting him on PUP and letting him re-strengthen his muscles and tendon to the max before putting out there "for real."


As with Brennan who was to be back by last OTA, then this week, then mini-camp.........now, hopefully, he'll be back for TC..........

There is a big difference between participating in "window dressing" activities and being thrown into the next level, let alone real game bullets........and that is where there is real separation in injury "recovery"
between one player and another.

 

[thunderkyss]

Taking everything I know at this point, including likely having a WR corps that is expected to be (barring injury) more solid than last year going into the beginning of the season, I would tend to feel more comfortable putting him on PUP and letting him re-strengthen his muscles and tendon to the max before putting out there "for real."

In one of the Suggs quotes, he mentioned that you aren't supposed to do anything at all for a substantial period of time. Then we saw the anti-gravity treadmill which you said will help determine when the player can get on the field. Then we hear about Cushing & some of the others working out on a separate field.

However, the players are often saying they are "doing everything they can to come back." or "I'm working extra hard"

In Posey's case, where he most likely isn't allowed to do a whole lot, how much "hard work" can they really be doing? Isn't this just a healing process & the body is going to heal when it heals?

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

In one of the Suggs quotes, he mentioned that you aren't supposed to do anything at all for a substantial period of time. Then we saw the anti-gravity treadmill which you said will help determine when the player can get on the field. Then we hear about Cushing & some of the others working out on a separate field.

However, the players are often saying they are "doing everything they can to come back." or "I'm working extra hard"

In Posey's case, where he most likely isn't allowed to do a whole lot, how much "hard work" can they really be doing? Isn't this just a healing process & the body is going to heal when it heals?

That's the whole point. The body's healing process is pretty well set, some a little quicker, some a little faster..........but most right in the middle. (There will always be that outlier out there.) There is more chance that if a body is pushed too hard too fast it will suffer a significant setback, rather than if not pushed to the max it will significantly slow the recovery.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

In one of the Suggs quotes, he mentioned that you aren't supposed to do anything at all for a substantial period of time. Then we saw the anti-gravity treadmill which you said will help determine when the player can get on the field. Then we hear about Cushing & some of the others working out on a separate field.

The "rest" period that Suggs speaks of refers to the first 3 months where you are to remain totally immobile except for the limited passive range of motion supervised by the therapist. The antigravity treadmill determines when the patient can begin to run, on the field or otherwise. When players are on the "separate field," they are basically doing rehab such as bicycling, running straight line, gradually progressing to cones, to skipping, backpedalling, etc.

 

[thunderkyss]

That's the whole point. The body's healing process is pretty well set, some a little quicker, some a little faster..........but most right in the middle. (There will always be that outlier out there.) There is more chance that if a body is pushed too hard too fast it will suffer a significant setback, rather than if not pushed to the max it will significantly slow the recovery.

So this whole, "I'm working my butt off to get back." Is just empty talk from the player? ?