1of200<center><b>Day 19: August 25</b></center>
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Texans quarterbacks Tom Savage (3), Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) and Case Keenum (7) run upfield during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less2of200Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien starts up practice during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less3of200Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) lines up behind the Texans offensive line during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less4of200Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) flips a ball to a coach after running a play during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less5of200Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick throws a pass during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less6of200Houston Texans wide receivers Andre Johnson (80) and DeAndre Hopkins (10) run back to the huddle after running a play during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less7of200Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) runs a play during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less8of200Houston Texans wide receiver Keshawn Martin (82) reaches out to make a catch during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less9of200Houston Texans free safety Shiloh Keo wipes his face with a towel during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. The heat index Monday is predicted to be over 100. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less10of200Houston Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger reaches out to make a catch during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less11of200Houston Texans strong safety Chris Clemons reaches out to make a catch during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less12of200Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) runs a drill as middle linebacker Jeff Tarpinian (52) walks past during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less13of200Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson reaches out to make a catch during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less14of200Houston Texans wide receiver Lacoltan Bester leaps to make a catch during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less15of200Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) turns upfield after making a catch during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less16of200Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes runs upfield after making a catch Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes runs upfield after making a catch during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less17of200Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson reaches out to make a catch during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less18of200Houston Texans wide receivers Lacoltan Bester (12) and DeAndre Hopkins (10) take a break between drills during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less19of200Houston Texans wide receiver Travis Labhart reaches up to make a catch during Texans practice at the Methodist Training Center Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less20of200<center><b>Day 18: August 21</b></center>
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Texans tackle Tyson Clabo (69) and guard Brandon Brooks (79) run through a blocking drill during a joint practice with the Denver Broncos on Thursday.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less21of200Texans fullback Jay Prosch (45) and running back Arian Foster (23) stretch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less22of200Texans quarterbacks Tom Savage (3), Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) and Case Keenum (7) warm up.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less23of200Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning throws a pass.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less24of200Texans head coach Bill O'Brien, right, talks to defensive coordinator Romero Crennel.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less25of200Texans tight ends Anthony Denham (81) and C.J. Fiedorowicz (87) run through a blocking drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less26of200Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) stretches.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less27of200Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) and defensive end J.J. Watt (99) run upfield.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less28of200Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning throws a pass.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less29of200Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas runs upfield after making a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less30of200Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass over center James Ferentz (78), running back Arian Foster, and guard Ben Jones (60).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less31of200Broncos running backs run through a ropes drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less32of200Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks across the field.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less33of200Broncos running back Jerodis Williams (33) runs through a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less34of200Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins runs upfield after making a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less35of200Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) directs traffic.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less36of200Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) runs with the ball.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less37of200Texans tight end Ryan Griffin runs upfield after making a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less38of200Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) drops back to pass behind guard Alex Kupper (62) and tackle Brice Schwab (72).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less39of200Texans wide receiver DeVier Posey (11) stretches the football across the goal line after making a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less40of200Texans offensive linemen Alex Kupper (62), Xavier Su'a-Filo (70), Matt Feiler (74) and Mike Farrell (71) run a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less41of200Texans wide receiver Travis Labhart (19) reaches out to make a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less42of200Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson reaches up to make a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less43of200Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins reaches out to make a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less44of200Texans wide receiver DeVier Posey reaches out to make a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less45of200Texans running back Arian Foster (23) runs upfield after making a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less46of200Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger (36) catches a football while running a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less47of200Texans strong safety Chris Clemons (20) catches a football while running a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less48of200Texans wide receiver Lacoltan Bester reaches out to make a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less49of200Texans tight end Zach Potter (86) runs past tight ends coach John Perry after making a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less50of200Broncos offensive linemen throw medicine balls back and forth.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less51of200Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) throws a pass.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less52of200Texans running back Ronnie Brown (22) runs with the football.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less53of200Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) goes through a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less54of200Texans linebacker Jason Ankrah takes off his jersey following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less55of200Texans general manager Rick Smith, left, talks to former NFL referee Red Cashion.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less56of200Texans defensive end Keith Browner cuts tape off his ankle following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less57of200Texans owner Bob McNair, left, embraces wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less58of200Texans owner Bob McNair, left, stands with head coach Bill O'Brien.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less59of200Texans owner Bob McNair, left, talks to head coach Bill O'Brien following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less60of200Texans running back Arian Foster, left, rides off the practice field on a golf cart with Texans owner Bob McNair.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less61of200Broncos head coach John Fox, left, speaks to Texans owner Bob McNair.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less62of200Texans owner Bob McNair speaks to Broncos head coach John Fox, reflected in his sunglasses.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less63of200<center><b>Day 17: August 20</b></center>
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Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) runs a drill with linebackers coach Mike Vrabel during a joint practice with the Denver Broncos at the Broncos training facility on Wednesday in Englewood, Colo.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less64of200Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) runs a drill with defensive end Keith Browner (98).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less65of200Texans defensive end Tim Jamison runs a pass rush drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less66of200Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) talks to Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less67of200Texans quarterback Case Keenum takes a snap.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less68of200Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) talks to Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less69of200Texans guards Ben Jones (60) and Brandon Brooks (79) work on a blocking drill following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less70of200Texans linebackers work with linebackers coach Mike Vrabel.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less71of200Texans defensive backs take a knee in the end zone following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less72of200Texans quarterback Case Keenum throws a pass.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less73of200Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson walks across the field following a joint practice .Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less74of200Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass with Case Keenum (7) looking on.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less75of200Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) talks to Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less76of200Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) walks across the field following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less77of200Texans head coach Bill O'Brien speaks to the media following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less78of200Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) stretches.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less79of200Broncos and former Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Greg Knapp, left, walks past quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and he throws a pass.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less80of200Broncos head coach John Fox walks across the field as his team stretches .Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less81of200Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) takes off his helmet as he gets ready to stretch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less82of200Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks across the field as his team gets ready to stretch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less83of200Texans running back Arian Foster (23), quarterback Tom Savage (3) and quarterback Case Keenum (7) get ready to stretch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less84of200Broncos players run to their next drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less85of200Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) and free safety Kendrick Lewis (21) run an interception drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less86of200Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) runs across the field during an interception drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less87of200Broncos defensive back Charles Mitchell knocks a ball back inbounds while running a fumble drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less88of200Texans defensive end Julius Warmsley (74) and nose tackle David Hunter (66) rush the passer during a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less89of200Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) runs a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less90of200Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) runs a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less91of200Texans defensive end Jared Crick (93) hits a blocking sled.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less92of200Broncos defensive end Kenny Anunike hits a blocking dummy.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less93of200Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) runs a drill with defensive end Keith Browner (98) and defensive end Julius Warmsley (74).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less94of200Texans cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph (24) and Kareem Jackson (25) run a coverage drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less95of200Texans outside linebacker Brooks Reed (58) hits linebacker Jason Ankrah (65) while running a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less96of200Texans tight end Garrett Graham (88) leaps to make a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less97of200Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less98of200Texans tight end Ryan Griffin reaches up to make a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less99of200<center><b>Day 16: August 19</b></center>
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Defensive end J.J. Watt (99) hits a blocking sled during a joint practice with the Denver Broncos at the Broncos training facility on Tuesday in Englewood, Colo.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less100of200Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) hits a blocking sled.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less101of200Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) runs a ball strip drill with Chance Graham.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less102of200Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson reaches up to make a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less103of200Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) walks off the practice field.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less104of200Texans defensive end J.J. Watt hits a blocking sled.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less105of200Texans defensive end J.J. Watt hits a blocking sled.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less106of200Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing walks off the practice field.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less107of200Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson walks off the practice field.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less108of200Texans tight ends Anthony Denham (81) and C.J. Fiedorowicz (87) work after practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less109of200Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the practice field.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less110of200Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker (83) hands Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel a helmet following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less111of200Texans middle linebacker Jeff Tarpinian works out following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less112of200Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus works out following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less113of200Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus, left, and middle linebacker Jeff Tarpinian (52) work out after a joint practice .Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less114of200Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) works with tight end Ryan Griffin (84) following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less115of200Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning speaks to the media following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less116of200Broncos head coach John Fox speaks to the media following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less117of200Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel, left, runs with quarterback Case Keenum (7) following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less118of200Texans wide receiver Joe Adams, works with strength and conditioning coach Craig Fitzgerald following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less119of200Texans wide receiver Travis Labhart reaches up to catch a pass following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less120of200Texans wide receiver Joe Adams, works out extra following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less121of200Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) hits a blocking dummy.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less122of200Texans defensive back Eddie Pleasant (35) backpedals as he runs a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less123of200Texans running back Jonathan Grimes runs upfield after making a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less124of200Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing, center, run a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less125of200Texans linebacker Chris McAllister (64) knocks a ball back to linebackers coach Mike Vrabel.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less126of200Texans running back Ronnie Brown reaches out to make a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less127of200Texans outside linebacker Quentin Groves (47) knocks a ball back to linebackers coach Mike Vrabel.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less128of200Texans linebackers Jadeveon Clowney (90) and Brooks Reed (58) run a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less129of200Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson reaches up to make a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less130of200Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz (87) runs a pass route.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less131of200Texans tackles Duane Brown (76) and Anthony Dima (71) run a blocking drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less132of200Texans wide receiver Joe Adams reaches out to make a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less133of200Texans guard Brandon Brooks (79) warms up.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less134of200Texans middle linebacker Jeff Tarpinian (52) runs a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less135of200Texans running back Arian Foster (23) runs across the field.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less136of200Texans defensive end J.J. Watt runs a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less137of200Texans inside linebacker Max Bullough (53) runs with the football during a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less138of200Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks across the field.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less139of200Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) tosses a football back to a coach as he runs a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less140of200Texans inside linebacker Max Bullough (53) reaches out to catch a ball.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less141of200Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) drops back to pass.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less142of200Texans defensive end Jeoffrey Pagan (97) runs a ball strip drill with Chance Graham.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less143of200Broncos quarterbacks Peyton Manning (18), Brock Osweiler (17) and Zac Dysert (2) run a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less144of200Broncos quarterbacks Peyton Manning (18), Brock Osweiler (17), Zac Dysert (2) and Bryn Renner (9) run a drill.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less145of200Texans guard Brandon Brooks (79) warms up.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less146of200Texans guard Brandon Brooks (79) warms up.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less147of200Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) warms up.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less148of200Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks across the practice field.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less149of200Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) and defensive end J.J. Watt (99) jog across the practice field.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less150of200Broncos defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson (99) hits a blocking sled.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less151of200Broncos defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson (99) hits defensive end Will Pericak (69).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less152of200Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) hits defensive end Will Pericak (69).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less153of200Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger (36) takes a knee between drills.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less154of200<center><b>Day 15: August 14</b></center>
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Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (33) runs the football against Texans defensive back Eddie Pleasant (35).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less155of200Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Hester (17) makes a catch with Texans defensive back Brandon Harris (26) defending.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less156of200Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (33) runs the football against Texans defensive back Eddie Pleasant (35).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less157of200Texans head coach Bill O'Brien stands behind the Texans offense.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less158of200Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) takes a snap from center Chris Myers (55) while running a play against the Atlanta Falcons.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less159of200Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons defense.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less160of200Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger (36) breaks up a pass intended for tight end Zach Potter.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less161of200Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons defense.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less162of200Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) leaps to intercept a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Freddie Martino (18).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less163of200Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) runs the football against Texans safety Jawanza Starling (29) and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less164of200Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) leaps to intercept a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Freddie Martino (18).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less165of200Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, left, works with Texans linebacker Paul Hazel.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less166of200Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney signs autographs during Texans training camp at the Methodist Training Center Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less167of200Texans head coach Bill O'Brien, left, talks to Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith during a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less168of200Texans head coach Bill O'Brien, left, talks to Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith during a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less169of200Texans tackle Brice Schwab (72) and guard Xavier Su'a-Filo (70) work on blocking drills.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less170of200Atlanta Falcons quarterback T.J. Yates (13) throws a pass over quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas during a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less171of200Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass over quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas during a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less172of200Atlanta Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann (71) works against offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) during a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less173of200Texans running back Arian Foster makes a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less174of200Texans head coach Bill O'Brien jogs around the Texans offense.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less175of200Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less176of200Texans tight end Ryan Griffin (84) runs past head coach Bill O'Brien.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less177of200Texans running back Alfred Blue (44) runs with the football after making a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less178of200Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) reaches up to make a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less179of200Texans wide receiver Travis Labhart reaches out to make a catch.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less180of200Atlanta Falcons free safety Dwight Lowery (20) leaps to make a catch during a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less181of200Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) runs a pass route against quarterbacks coach George Godsey.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less182of200Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz (87) makes a catch with safety Jawanza Starling (29) defending.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less183of200Texans defensive back Eddie Pleasant (35) breaks up a pass intended for running back Alfred Blue (44).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less184of200Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) yawns as he stands with his teammates before the start of a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less185of200Cal McNair, Texans COO, left, Rick Smith, general manager, Bill O'Brien, head coach, and Bob McNair, owner, stand on the field after a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less186of200Texans COO Cal McNair accepts a "Texans for DQ Day" proclamation from Houston City Councilman Larry Greene following practice. "Texans for DQ Day" honors Texans offensive tackle David Quessenberry who is battling lymphoma.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less187of200Texans COO Cal McNair accepts a "Texans for DQ Day" proclamation from Houston City Councilman Larry Greene following practice. "Texans for DQ Day" honors Texans offensive tackle David Quessenberry who is battling lymphoma.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less188of200Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) speaks to the media following a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less189of200Texans running back Arian Foster speaks to the media after practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less190of200Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger, left, signs autographs.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less191of200Texans fans cheer while seeking autographs.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less192of200Tight end Garrett Graham signs autographs.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less193of200Texans punter Shane Lechler, left, signs autographs.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less194of200<center><b>Day 14: August 13</b></center>
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Texans running back Alfred Blue (44) runs the ball past Atlanta Falcons free safety Dwight Lowery (20).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less195of200Texans running back Alfred Blue (44) runs the ball past Atlanta Falcons free safety Dwight Lowery (20).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less196of200Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) greets former teammate Atlanta Falcons quarterback T.J. Yates (13).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less197of200Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) greets former teammate Atlanta Falcons quarterback T.J. Yates (13).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less198of200Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (33) runs the football past Houston Texans strong safety Chris Clemons (20).Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less199of200Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks T.J. Yates (13), Jeff Matthews (9) and Sean Renfree (12) drop back to pass.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less200of200Atlanta Falcons quarterback T.J. Yates (13) takes a snap as he lines up against the Texans during a joint practice.Brett Coomer / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less
Texans outside linebacker Brooks Reed (58) runs a drill with linebackers coach Mike Vrabel on Monday. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle)
The Texans’ unsettled situation at linebacker with Brian Cushing not yet practicing has been beneficial for Brooks Reed, who’s receiving an ongoing crash course at both the inside and outside positions. He spent most the OTAs learning the nuances of being inside, but for the moment he’s back outside, where he has played his first three seasons in the NFL.
New linebackers coach Mike Vrabel said he appreciates how Reed had accepted the challenge.
“The most valuable players on any football team are guys who can play more than one position because we only get to take 45 guys to the game,” said Vrabel, who played 14 NFL seasons himself. “So you better be able to do more than one thing. A lot of (going both ways) is mental for (Reed), but he’s a great example of a professional football player. He studies the game. It means a lot to him and his teammates mean a lot to him.
“He’s an easy guy to coach. You can be assured he’s going to put a good day’s work in. He’s bringing his hard hat and his lunch and he’s going to work hard for two hours, then go back and study. I appreciate that. He’s setting the right example.”
Reed, who was drafted in the second round by the Texans in 2011 after playing defensive end at Arizona, admits: “I think this year I’ve got to take more of a leadership role and really kind of guide the younger guys. We got some vets in here now and we’re all just sharing information to make us better.”
A major recipient of that sharing is, of course, the NFL’s top overall draft choice, Jadaveon Clowney, who’s transitioning from defensive end to outside linebacker – something Vrabel had to do when he came out of Ohio State.
“I don’t know if it helps him or hurts (Clowney),” Vrabel said of the personal knowledge he brings to table, “but I just try to tell him the things to look out for. I’ve been lucky and blessed to play for a lot of great coaches going all the way back to high school, so I try to take everything I’ve learned from them and blend it into a style. But I’m just trying to be me, to do what’s right for this football team.”
Vrabel also had kind words for Cushing, who has missed considerable time the past two seasons because of serious knee injuries.
“Cush is being a real pro,” he said. “He’s learning. He’s taking mental reps. He’s working hard. One of the most important things for any player who can’t be on the field to be working your butt off. You’re teammates see that, and he’s doing that. He’s being a good teammate.”