Christian Harris took one giant step forward Sunday evening.
For the Houston Texans’ defense’s sake, let’s hope that he didn’t take an even sizeable step backward.
Harris, the Texans third-year linebacker, returned to practice for the first time since the start of training camp but left early after running several drills. His status moving forward remains uncertain.
Harris has been dealing with a calf injury since the start of camp last month. He’s been at the facility but has yet to make an appearance like other players.
#Texans LB Christian Harris left practice. He was walking gingerly off the field and was being assisted by a trainer.
It was his first day back.
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) August 11, 2024
Houston’s medical staff checked him out to make sure he was fine. He could return before Saturday’s preseason matchup against the New York Giants. He could miss more time leading up to the regular season.
The linebacker room has upside, but little experience outside of Azeez Al-Shaair. Henry To’oTo’o has taken reps with the starters in Harris’ absence, but he was best used in subpackages on run downs.
Jake Hansen and Neville Hewitt have been standouts on special teams for the past two seasons and rarely see action with starters.
The Texans also drafted Oregon’s Jamal Hill and signed undrafted free agents Max Tooley and Tarique Barnes from BYU and Illinois, respectively.
#Texans linebacker Christian Harris (calf) still having some issues with leg, team taking precautions, checking it out as he gets his first work since start of camp
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 11, 2024
Media won’t be in attendance on Monday, so fans will have to wait until Tuesday for further clarification of Harris’ long-term status.
Houston is trending upward with the return of Pro Bowlers Joe Mixon and Laremy Tunsil, but the defense would love to feel close to being complete.
Harris, who recorded a career-high 102 tackles last season, is a missing link. His impact is felt when on the field and certainly missed when gone.