Houston Texans outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard has had a strong training camp, but a hamstring injury could spoil the finish.
The 2020 third-round pick has missed practices down the stretch due to a hamstring issue, according to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, who remained optimistic about Greenard’s ability to help the defense.
“Now, Greenard’s been hindered a little bit by a hamstring injury or a leg injury or something like that, so he’s put himself behind the eight ball a little bit as far as contributing early, but I do expect all those rookies to contribute at some point,” Weaver said.
The Texans’ philosophy towards roster construction is based on coach and general manager Bill O’Brien’s belief that the COVID-19 pandemic’s elimination of the offseason program and closure of other on-ramps for rookies to get acclimated to pro football will curtail their production. Throw in availability issues, and it becomes even more of a challenge for youngsters to adapt and thrive.
“The head coach has said it multiple times, this is a tough year for rookies, and it absolutely is,” said Weaver. “There’s a bunch of cumulative reps that they’ve missed out on whether it was in the spring or in preseason games, but at some point in the season because of their work ethic, they’re all going to contribute and help us here throughout this year.”
The Texans have to cut down to 53 men on Saturday. If they don’t feel that Greenard can contribute to the team immediately, they could place him on injured reserve, which would free up a roster spot. Houston would have the chance to bring him off of injured reserve at some point after the first eight weeks.
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