HOUSTON – Texans starting center Jake Andrews returned to practice from a high-ankle sprain he suffered during a road season-opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
Andrews, a former New England Patriots fourth-round draft pick from Troy University where he played for Texans offensive line coach-run game coordinator Cole Popovich, missed a Monday night loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He was replaced in the lineup by Jarrett Patterson.
If practice goes smoothly for him with no setbacks, Andrews could return to the lineup Sunday on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was limited in practice, but told KPRC 2 afterward he is feeling good and excited t to be back.
The Texans are getting reinforcements at wide receiver.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Tuesday that Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios are expected back for the Jaguars game after missing the first two games due to hamstring strains. Both returned to practice Wednesday and were listed as limited. Both were moving well.
Kirk is the Texans’ No. 2 wide receiver behind Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins and had established himself enough with his route-running skills and hands that teammates called him a “slot magician.”
Acquired in a trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kirk was brought into provide a reliable receiving presence in tandem with Collins. His $15.5 million base salary was restructured into a $14 million signing bonus for salary cap purposes to create $12 million in savings with the addition of void years for signing bonus amortization.
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Texans rookie corner Jaylin Smith didn’t practice due to a hamstring injury.
Starting corner Kamari Lassiter was limited with a knee injury.
Nickel Jalen Pitre was limited with a rib injury sustained against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but finished the game after being examined by trainers.
Defensive end Darrell Taylor was limited with a hip injury.
Kirk was limited to 25 catches for 320 yards and a touchdown last season in eight games after breaking his collarbone. He has caught 404 career passes for 5,176 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Berrios caught a touchdown in a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. He’s a former All-Pro selection who has 134 career catches for 1,323 yards and six touchdowns with 3,289 return yards and four rushing touchdowns.