Tag: Christian Harris

Texans get back LB Christian Harris for postseason push

Linebacker Christian Harris is back for the Houston Texans.

Christian Harris is officially back for the Houston Texans.

The Texans added the third-year linebacker back to the active roster after clearing him off the injured reserve earlier this week. He’ll take the roster spot of defensive back Jalen Pitre, who will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a chest injury in Week 12.

Harris, who finished second with 101 tackles for the Texans in 2023, has been on injured reserve since training camp with a calf injury. He’s nearly worked his way back twice but suffered setbacks that led to Houston being cautious with his recovery time.

Expectations around the locker room have been that he’ll play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. While listed as questionable, removal from the injured reserve is a sign that he’s likely trending toward playing.

“I don’t know how they’re gonna play it in terms of a snap count,” Texans running back Joe Mixon told reporters earlier this week. “But I know for a fact, when he enters, he’s gonna give us 1,000 percent. I think it’s gonna be a great uplift for the defense.”

Harris’ return should be a big lift, especially with fellow linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair suspended for the next three games. The Texans have also been short-handed at the linebacker spot multiple times this season and can’t afford to not have someone covering Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans LB Christian Harris post cryptic photo surrounding return rumors

Christian Harris should be getting ready to suit up for the Houston Texans following the bye week.

Is Christian Harris coming back following the Houston Texans’ bye week?

Based on his latest social media post, the results are looking promising.

Harris, who’s missed a majority of the season with a calf injury, recently posted a photo to his Instagram featuring him in uniform, almost serving as a beacon of hope that a return is on the horizon.

The Texans are currently on their bye week but return for a three-game series within 11 days, starting against the Miami Dolphins. According to multiple reports, Harris has always been expected to come off the injured reserve following Houston’s bye.

Last month, Texans general manager Nick Caserio confirmed in an interview with Sports Radio 610’s Sean Pendergast and Seth Payne that Harris would play again in 2024 after missing the first 14 games.

He reiterated the same stance on Tuesday during his yearly press conference.

“I think he is getting closer. I’d say there’s definitely a shot we’re going to see him sooner rather than later,” Caserio said.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said last week that Harris was trending upward, but the AFC South favorites are in a “waiting game” for the time being.

“We will see where Christian is,” Ryans said Monday after a 23-20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. “Christian has done a great job progressing, and we look forward to seeing him out there pretty soon.”

The Texans need a healthy Harris if they plan on making a postseason push, espeically with Azeez Al-Shaair now out for three games because of a suspension. Depth at linebacker has been a concern for Houston, so bringing back a leading tackler makes sense.

In 2023, Harris recorded a career-high 101 tackles last season and returned an interception for a touchdown in a playoff victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Texans defensive captain will be suspended for Week 15 vs. Dolphins

The Texans will be missing one of their defensive leaders when they return from a Week 14 bye to play the Dolphins.

The Houston Texans will be without starting linebacker and defensive team captain Azeez Al-Shaair for three games, including their Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

Al-Shaair, 27, was handed a three-game ban by the NFL on Tuesday, two days after he delivered a brutal hit that concussed Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who was sliding to avoid contact.

With Al-Shaair out of action, the Texans will likely turn to Neville Hewitt to take over starting duties when they return from a Week 14 bye. The 31-year-old linebacker has only started three games in the last three seasons, but has been a stalwart on special teams and has recorded 46 tackles this season.

Pro Football Focus has given Al-Shaair a 73.9 grade this season with an 87.0 grade against the run. Hewitt has a 67.6 grade. Also on the roster are former Tampa Bay Buccaneers top 10 draft pick Devin White. The Texans recently designated 2022 third-round pick Christian Harris to return from injured reserve, where he’s spent the first three months of the season.

Al-Shaair, who signed with the Texans earlier this year, has two sacks, two forced fumbles, four pass defenses, seven tackles for loss, and 68 tackles.

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DeMeco Ryans provides update on LB Christian Harris

Christian Harris likely won’t be suiting up until at least next Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, if not longer.

Christian Harris is expected to play for the Houston Texans in 2024. It just won’t be happening this week against the New England Patriots.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters Monday that Harris is inching his way back from a hip injury but will not be cleared to practice just yet.

A former third-round pick out of Alabama, Harris has yet to play a snap since the start of training camp due to the injury suffered this summer. He was eligible to return from the injured reserve following the end of camp.

Ryans said that the team is “still waiting” on Harris to show a bit more improvement in the recovery process before putting him on the field.

“He is doing well,” Ryans said. “We actually had Christian down on the sideline yesterday which was encouraging to see him down there, see his support, his energy that he brings to our team. We are pulling for him to get back at the right time.”

Last season, Harris was one of the breakout defensive stars en route to helping Houston secure a division title. After totaling 74 tackles as a rookie, he bumped his numbers up to 101 tackles, plus two sacks in Year 2.

Ryans said he wasn’t worried about Harris having regression set in because of missed reps and is excited to have him back whenever he is cleared.

“Whenever we can get Christian back, it’ll be beneficial for everyone,” Ryans said. “I am excited about his growth and his development. I’m still very encouraged by that and Christian will pick up right where he left off.”

With Harris still expected to be sidelined, the Texans will turn back to Henry To’oTo’o. Ryans pleased the second-year linebacker for his performance in coverage against the Buffalo Bills in Sunday’s 23-20 victory.

“Henry had one of his better games this past week,” Ryans said. “He’s playing physical, he’s playing fast, just all over the field. So, encouraged with his growth and his improvement. Coach [Bill] Davis has done a great job with helping his development.”

DeMeco Ryans provides update on Texans LB Christian Harris

The Texans will be without star linebacker Christian Harris for at least one more week.

Christian Harris might be eligible to come off the injured reserve, but the Houston Texans are playing it safe.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that Harris would remain on injured reserve and won’t return to start practicing this week.

Houston takes on the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium this Sunday to close out a two-game home series.

“He’s still on the road to recovery, Ryans said. “He’s doing well, on the right track. We’ll get him when we get him.”

A third-round pick of the University of Alabama, Harris was placed on the injured reserve after missing all of training camp with a calf injury. With his absence, the Texans have relied heavily on second-year standout Henry To’oTo’o.

Harris entered 2023 off the heels of a breakout sophomore campaign while helping the Texans secure their first playoff berth since 2019. He amassed a career-high 101 tackles last season and returned an interception for a touchdown in a playoff victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Kickoff against the reigning AFC East champions is scheduled for noon CT.

Why Texans LB Christian Harris will start 2024 season on the injured reserve

Christian Harris will play for the Houston Texans in 2024, though it might not come until early October.

Christian Harris will play for the Houston Texans in 2024. It just won’t be against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 8 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Texans are placing the third-year linebacker and veteran defensive tackle Kurt Hinish on the short-term injured reserve to begin the season. Neither will count against the roster and both will be eligible to return after four weeks.

Hinish left early with an injury in Saturday’s 17-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Harris, who had been dealing with a strained calf since the start of training camp, returned to practice two weeks ago but reaggravated the muscle the same day.

The Texans believe Harris could be in for a breakout year similar to All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. A former third-round pick out of BYU, Warner went from a quality starter to a consistent standout in Year 2 under DeMeco Ryans’ teaching.

In Year 3, Warner became one of the top linebackers in the NFL, earning All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod in 2020. Harris might not be able to jump to that level this fall, but he flashed the potential as a rising star late last year to help Houston secure its first division title since 2019.

Harris is coming off his best NFL season after recording a career-high 101 tackles and two sacks. In the wild-card round victory over the Cleveland Browns, Harris made the play of his career with a 36-yard interception returned for a touchdown against Joe Flacco to extend Houston’s lead by 24.

In his place, the Texans will rely on a combination of Henry To’oTo’o and Jake Hansen next to veteran Azeez Al-Shaair. To’oTo’o, Harris’ former teammate at Alabama, has seen most first-team reps and looks more comfortable heading into his second season playing in space.

“Henry’s a dog,” safety Jalen Pitre said earlier this preseason. “He’s done nothing but show up every day with a relentless mindset ready to go to work and he’s bringing it when he gets there.

“Henry is one of those guys that are going to hit you and let you know about it. So, I’m trying to get like Henry in that regard.”

Texans training camp: LB Christian Harris returns to practice, leaves early

The Texans watched as Christian Harris returned to practice before leaving early on Sunday evening.

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.

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.

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.

Texans training camp: DC Matt Burke shares update on LB Christian Harris

Christian Harris has not been at practice the previous two days for the Houston Texans for what is reported to be a soft-tissue leg injury

Laremy Tunsil isn’t the only significant player from the Houston Texans missing the start of training camp due to injury.

Third-year linebacker Christian Harris did not participate in drills for the second consecutive day and wasn’t seen outside with the rest of the roster during Saturday’s practice. Multiple players have rotated his spot, including former Alabama teammate Henry To’oTo’o.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Thursday that certain players would be on “timelines” for their return to the field due to injuries. Harris is one of them for now, though it isn’t a massive concern for the defensive staff, including coordinator Matt Burke.

“We expect him back when he is ready to play ball for us,” Burke said Saturday following practice. “A lot of guys you will see as you are here throughout there are just different sorts of plans to get ready.”

According to KPRC 2 Sports, Harris is dealing with soft-tissue damage in his leg that isn’t expected to keep him out long-term. The Texans could have him rest on Sunday with the rest of the squad and return to practice in a limited capacity on Monday.

Neither Tunsil nor Harris are injured enough to be placed on the PUP list, so it’s a sign in the right direction. Burke mentioned the goal is to have everyone healthy for Week 1’s road trip against the Indianapolis Colts.

“Each guy has an individualized plan,” said Burke. “He will be ready to go when it is time.”

Last year in DeMeco Ryans’ linebacker-friendly scheme, Harris posted a career-high 101 tackles and two sacks during the regular season. In the wild-card round victory over the Cleveland Browns, he returned an interception returned for a touchdown during the third quarter.

Who is the Texans’ most underappreciated player entering 2024?

Christian Harris could be in line to move from underappreciated to transcendent star entering Year 3.

In a countless swarm of Pro Bowl and All-Pro-caliber players, one standout name often flies under the radar. So, who is that for the Houston Texans entering 2024?

CBS Sports recently named one player on every squad entering 2024 who is flying low with high expectations. Third-year linebacker Christian Harris was the top candidate for the reigning AFC South champs since new linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair graduated from the ‘underrated’ term a season ago.

Harris was selected by the Texans in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Alabama and could be gearing up for a career year as he enters his third season in the league. In 16 games played for the Texans in 2023, he totaled 101 tackles (second-most on the team) and two sacks while breaking up seven passes. He was an underrated piece of their success last season and could prove to be a stud linebacker under head coach DeMeco Ryans as the franchise looks to continue its ascent in 2024. – CBS Sports

Al-Shaair, who spent four seasons under Ryans in San Francisco, proved his value as a full-time starter last season in Tennessee after finishing top-five in tackles. He shouldn’t affect Harris’ role since he’s expected to replace Blake Cashman as Houston’s middle linebacker.

Harris, meanwhile, took a positive step forward after Ryans took over for Lovie Smith. Not only did he notch over 100 stops, but his missed tackle rate significantly dropped in a more man-heavy scheme.

Year 3 was promising for fellow third-round pick Fred Warner under Ryans’ teaching in San Francisco. After posting moderate numbers to begin his career, Warner exploded in 2020, earning first-team All-Pro status and his first Pro Bowl nomination after totaling 128 tackles.

Harris might have given fans a glimpse of his potential last January with his 36-yard interception in the wild-card round against the Cleveland Browns. Not only have his numbers increased each season but so has his rep count game by game.

Al-Shaair, who said he’s seen growth in Harris, should be a sturdy running mate opposite the former Crimson Tide product as he looks to blossom from an under-the-radar candidate to a household name in 2024.

Texans pleased with LB Christian Harris’ growth heading into Year 3

Much like Fred Warner with the San Francisco 49ers, Christian Harris looks to make a massive jump in Year 3 with the Houston Texans.

Fred Warner didn’t become an All-Pro linebacker overnight with the San Francisco 49ers. Two years into his budding career, the former third-round pick was still adjusting to life in the NFL.

Then came Year 3 and the first of three All-Pro nods. Everything clicked for Warner as he transformed from a rising talent into one of the league’s top defensive players.

But what does Warner’s success have to do with Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris? Besides the fact that both saw extensive growth in Year 2, the duo has been molded by former Pro Bowler DeMeco Ryans.
Much like Warner’s progress, Ryans can see a similar upside to Harris’ maturation heading into Year 3.

“For Christian, it was just all about just confidence,” Ryans said earlier this month. “Just believe that you can make those plays. I think that — and for me as a coach it’s one thing, just continue to exude and push that confidence upon him because he’s a great player.”

Harris, a third-round pick out of Alabama, proved that in the right system, good things would happen. With Ryans’ man-heavy formation, he was asked to play in space opposite Blake Cashman up the middle.

That benefitted both parties. Cashman, who signed a long-term deal this offseason with the Vikings, was exceptional near the line of scrimmage, notching a team-high 104 tackles. Harris, who did a bit of everything, was close behind with 102 stops and two sacks.

Where Harris truly stepped up was in coverage, especially in the postseason. Against the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Wild Card Round, he intercepted a pass intended for Harrison Bryant and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown.

“He’s talented. He has all the athletic ability,” Ryans said. “Now it’s just him continuing to believe that. Once he crossed that threshold of believing, that’s when you see him take off.”

The hope is Houston will see more of the same in 2024. Harris should continue shining in space while newcomer Azeez Al-Shaair takes over for Cashman at middle linebacker. Together, the two should tally over 200 tackles and play off another in coverage.

Ryans sees a new spark in Harris. As the confidence grows, so does his success, a similar path to Warner’s rise.

“It’s all about your instincts, right? If you have the instincts and you see it and trust it and go with it and you play fast, you make plays,” Ryans said.  “Christian never had a problem with seeing.

“They’re not thinking. They are on autopilot. They’re just rolling. They know the techniques and how to do it. Now, they let their bodies take over and make plays.”