Position battles continue on the right side of the offensive line
Right guard Antoine Caldwell and right tackle Rashad Butler are penciled in to replace the departed Mike Brisiel and Eric Winston, respectively. However, they are both being pushed in training camp by a couple of young guys. Rookie right guard Brandon Brooks out of Miami (Ohio) is physically impressive at 6-5, 340 pounds. Second-year right tackle Derek Newton has also impressed coaches.
“I think there have been flashes,” coach Gary Kubiak told reporters Tuesday. “I think that Gump [Caldwell] has done some good things. Butler has done some good things. The young guard [Brooks] has the ability. He has big-time ability, but he has to catch up. You see flashes of what you’re looking for. I think Newton is still a young player, but he’s a physical player.”
Kubiak said he is giving each of the players reps with the first team.
“It’ll be interesting,” Kubiak said. “It’ll sort itself out in the games, probably not in practice.”
Rookie wide receiver DeVier Posey off to a good start
Rookie wide receiver DeVier Posey was a bit of a wildcard when the Texans drafted him in the third round of this year's draft. Posey missed all but three games of his senior season at Ohio State due to off-field issues. So far, Posey has impressed in training camp.
“He has a lot of talent, a lot of ability,” Kubiak said. “You could tell in OTAs and stuff that he had missed a lot of football, but I see him catching up. I like the way he works. He’s in very good shape and can go all day, so that’s what you’ve got to do in this league to play receiver. He’s on his way. He’s had a good week so far.”
Posey's play is good news for the Texans as they need multiple players to step up at wide receiver.
Quick Hits
- Wide receiver Andre Johnson remains out with a groin injury. Kubiak expects Johnson back next week. “I would love to tell you that it’s Monday,” Kubiak said. “I hope it’s Monday, but I would say next week.”
- Kubiak wants to make sure he utilizes fullback James Casey properly. “I’m going to play him everywhere,” Kubiak said. “He gives us a lot of versatility offensively and causes problems for people, so I’ve got to use James the right way. I’m starting to do it in training camp and not waiting until the season.”
- Defensive end J.J. Watt finished his rookie campaign strong, registering 3.5 sacks in the team’s two playoff games. Now, he feels he can take another step in year two. “I feel so much more confident,” Watt told reporters. “I understand the full concept of the playbook, so now I really get to just focus in on my game. [Defensive coordinator] Coach Wade [Phillips] is such a genius. It’s fun to see his whole defense now where I’m not just focused in on my job. I can see everything.”
