JUST IN: Former Alabama linebacker not ready to return to practice with Houston Texans

Former Alabama linebacker not ready to return to practice with Houston Texans

NFL players who began the season on injured reserve were eligible to return to practice on Wednesday, and 28 did. But Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris was not among them.

A third-round draft pick from Alabama in 2022, Harris made 101 tackles for the Texans in his second season. A calf injured plagued Harris throughout training camp as he tried to prepare for his third campaign, and he wasn’t ready to play when the season started.

Although eligible, Harris will not return to practice this week, Houston coach DeMeco Ryans said.

Alabama linebacker Christian Harris declares for 2022 NFL Draft

“He’s still on the road to recovery,” Ryans said. “He’s doing well, on the right track. We’ll get him when we get him.”

Harris’ absence has opened playing time for another former Alabama linebacker, and Henry To’oTo’o leads the Texans with 32 tackles this season.

NFL rules require players on injured reserve to miss at least four games. With practice starting for Week 5, IR players could get back to work on Wednesday, and teams have 21 days to add them to the active roster.

Among those coming back were Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jeremiah Moon (Hoover) and Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (UAB), who are now considered “reserve/injured, designated for return.”

Like Harris, five other players with Alabama football roots who started the season on injured reserve and are expected back in 2024 did not return to practice on Wednesday:

· Philadelphia Eagles defensive back James Bradberry (Pleasant Grove, Samford)

Alabama linebacker Christian Harris declares for 2022 NFL Draft

Atlanta Falcons safety DeMarcco Hellams (Alabama)

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Brodric Martin (Northridge, North Alabama)

· Jacksonville Jaguars running back Keilan Robinson (Alabama)

Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Jonah Williams (Alabama)

Another player eligible to return to practice on Wednesday who did not was New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore. He is on reserve/NFI. Normally, that stands for non-football injury, but in Barmore’s case the “I” stands for illness. A blood-clots issue has sidelined Barmore.