Coming off their bye week, the Texans could have a pair of reinforcements. Linebacker Christian Harris and guard Kenyon Green have been designated for return, per a team announcement.
Harris has not played this season while recovering from a calf injury. Houston used an IR/designated for return slot during roster cutdowns, committing one of the team’s eight IR activations in the process. General manager Nick Caserio said last week Harris could be back shortly, and Monday's news is an encouraging sign in that respect.
Harris and Green both have 21 days to be brought onto the active roster now that they have begun to practice. Harris’ return will be welcomed given his importance to Houston’s defense. The 2022 third-rounder has started 23 of his 28 career games, and in 2023, he eclipsed the 100-tackle mark. Especially with Azeez Al-Shaair facing a three-game suspension (pending appeal), getting Harris back in time for Week 15 would be critical for the Texans.
Green started each of Houston’s first nine games this season, a positive development after he missed all of last year. The former first-rounder struggled at left guard when in the lineup, though, as PFF charged him with five sacks and 27 pressures allowed. A dislocated shoulder was expected to result in a lengthy absence, and Green was indeed moved to IR in November. Pass protection has been an issue for the Texans, a team which did not make any O-line moves at the trade deadline. Green’s return would give them another healthy option up front.
Houston has only two IR activations remaining, one of which will be used to bring Green into the fold. The Texans sit at 8-5 on the year and hold a two-game advantage over the Colts for top spot in the AFC South. Getting healthier in advance of the postseason will be critical over the coming weeks, and seeing Harris and Green return to the lineup will be notable in that regard.
