Texans Rookie Linebacker Returns to Practice

The Houston Texans will finally get to see one of their 2022 NFL Draft picks in action. Linebacker Christian Harris returned to the field this week, activating his 21-day practice window.

LB Christian Harris is on IR but practicing this week, activating his 21-day window. Lovie Smith says it's too early to determine if Harris can play Sunday at Jacksonville. Still needs to review film from practice. #Texans
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) October 5, 2022

Harris was placed on injured reserve following the 53-man roster cutdown due to a hamstring injury that cost him most of the offseason. Head coach Lovie Smith expressed skepticism the third-round pick would be ready to play in the team's Week 5 AFC South showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars, so it's likely Christian Kirksey, Kamu Grieger-Hill, and Blake Cashman will continue to dominate snaps at linebacker.

News: Texans rookie LB Christian Harris has been designated to return from the injured reserve. pic.twitter.com/gR1JaW7OZq
— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) October 5, 2022

Harris joined the Texans this year as their 75th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The linebacker starred for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2019 to 2021, totalling 220 tackles and winning an NCAA Championship in 2020. An explosive athlete and proven leader, Harris is another in a long line of Alabama linebackers to make their way to the NFL in recent years that includes Rashaan Evans, C.J. Mosley, Dont'a Hightower.