HOUSTON – Texans veteran defensive end Jonathan Greenard returned to practice Thursday, a development that could significantly boost the pass rush and the chances for the defense to compete Saturday in a playoff game against the Cleveland Browns.
Greenard suffered a Grade 1 ankle sprain against the Browns on Christmas Eve, per a league source. His absence was exploited by Browns quarterback Joe Flacco as he peppered the Texans defense with throws to wide receiver Amari Cooper for 11 receptions and a franchise single-game record 265 yards.
Greenard leads the Texans with a career-high 12 1/2 sacks, 15 tackles for losses and 22 quarterback hits.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Noah Brown returned to practice from a transverse process fracture in his back that he has recovered from. Brown has caught 33 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 17.2 yards per catch.
Texans veteran wide receiver Robert Woods returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis after being out last Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts due to a painful hip injury. Woods, a true game-time decision who attempted to warm up before ultimately it was determined that he couldn’t play in the road game at Lucas Oil Stadium, was running and participating in drills Tuesday. He practiced against
Woods has caught 40 passes for 426 yards and one touchdown this season in 14 games and 11 starts.
“I felt good a little bit, I was able to start doing some things, start moving around,” Woods told KPRC 2. “Hopefully, we’re able to go on Saturday, but it’s just progressing as we can. To be determined.”
Texans rookie standout wide receiver Tank Dell is out for the season with a broken fibula.
Veteran defensive end Jerry Hughes (sprained ankle, X-rays negative) remains out of practice.
Pro Bowl left offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (knee, rest) practiced again along with defensive tackle Maliek Collins (hip), offensive guard Shaq Mason (hio) and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (shoulder).
Fullback Andrew Beck (calf) and center Michael Deiter (elbow) have been limited for the Texans.
Aaron Wilson is a contributor to Sports Talk 790.
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