Houston Texans Linebacker Returns to Practice

The Houston Texans appear to have dodged a bullet. Despite exiting the team's Week 12 30-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins early with a shoulder injury, rookie linebacker Christian Harris returned to practice Wednesday morning and will likely be available for the team's Week 13 matchup with the Cleveland Browns.

Texans rookie starting linebacker Christian Harris is practicing after leaving Sunday's game with shoulder injury didn't sustain structural damage
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 30, 2022

Harris left Sunday's game after playing only 15 defensive snaps. He notched two total tackles. He has compiled 30 tackles in six appearances this year.

Harris's healthy return won't necessarily help the Texans dig themselves out of their 1-9-1 hole, but it will at least give the team an extended opportunity to evaluate their young player. The Texans drafted Harris 75th overall earlier this year hoping he could be their linebacker of the future. An extended look over the final six games of the season will help them to see where they stand.

Harris joined the Texans following three years at Alabama. He totalled 220 tackles, 26.0 tackles for loss, and 10.0 sacks in 40 appearances with the Crimson Tide, winning the College Football Championship game in 2020.