Tag: Christian Harris injury

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.