Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus has played seven games to this point in the season, and is feeling better as he gears up to plays his eighth.
The 30-year-old had two weeks off, the bye and then missing Week 9 due to contact tracing results from being in close proximity with outside linebacker Jacob Martin, who did test positive for the novel coronavirus and was placed on COVID-19 reserve on Nov. 4. With Mercilus set to get back in action in Week 10 at the Cleveland Browns, the former 2012 first-round pick says he feels refreshed.
“I feel much better, stronger, quicker, more alert, especially with the time off as well, too,” Mercilus said. “Adjusted to earlier in the season, getting adjusted to that adrenaline rush when you don’t have preseason in order to really — you kind of feel a little light. The adrenaline gets pumping and you don’t know how to work your body kind of like Bambi out there. For me, I feel great at this point in the season.”
Mercilus has provided the Texans with 14 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, four quarterback hits, and a fumble recovery through six starts.
Nine weeks into the 2020 season, one that has been pocked with COVID-19 disruptions and the firing of coach Bill O’Brien on Oct. 5, Mercilus is still adapting to the constant motion.
“As far as the world getting accustomed to COVID, we had to go through that transition,” said Mercilus. “Then, the coaching change. I’ve been through that before, so it’s as if it’s a double whammy to a triple whammy as far as the season and how it’s been going. Losing some of these games we shouldn’t have been losing as well, too. It’s just been an interesting year.”
The 2-6 Texans have a chance to post their first winning streak of the season when they face the 5-3 Browns.