Light Day as Detroit and Decisions Loom for Texans

Joint practice in Detroit is today

The Houston Texans had a light day of work on Wednesday ahead of their joint practice on Thursday in Detroit against the Lions.

Here are the notable takeaways from the half-speed practice.

• Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was not dressed to practice. I didn’t spot him on the field. He had been in and out of the lineup during Tuesday’s practice. Usually, if it is a day off, the player is present to observe. Henry To’oTo’o, Christian Harris, and E.J. Speed are all options at linebacker. DeMeco Ryans can mix and match depending on the scenario. Jake Hansen and Jamal Hill are additional depth.

• The Texans announced the signing of a new long snapper. Blake Ferguson was practicing with the other specialists. Rookie long snapper Austin Brinkman was absent. The roster move to sign Ferguson didn’t include Brinkman. The team released tight end Tre' McKitty. Ferguson was the long snapper for LSU when they won the national championship. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins and served as their long snapper for the past five seasons.