Since the beginning of training camp, the Houston Texans have seen several key players miss a significant amount of time due to injuries. Some have been minor similar to J.J. Watt’s groin injury. While others have been severe similar to Keke Coutee, who sustained an ankle injury during the first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers and may not be ready by Week 1.
The 2019 NFL season has yet to begin, but the Texans have already seen a fair share of struggles with injuries. And after an early exit from Will Fuller during Thursday’s practice, Texans coach Bill O’Brien says there is nothing to worry about.
“The injury questions, I understand it, but we’re just trying to manage reps,” O’Brien said. Let me just go into it with you. With every veteran player, we try to map out, before preseason starts — we know this guy is going to be on the team, how are we going to get this guy ready for the first game relative to what his health is?”
Since entering the league in 2016, Fuller’s career has been plagued by multiple injuries, but none more devastating than the ACL tear he suffered last year. However, with a personal goal to play all 16 games this season, perhaps it is in O’Brien’s best interest to keep his second-best receiver fresh.
“So, we really do a lot of counting the reps — full-speed reps, walkthrough reps, how many reps he has leading up to the first game,” he said. “Every guy is a little bit different. Every player is different relative to what their schedule is. So, Will, we’re just managing reps with him.”
Before a premature end to the season, Fuller was on track to have a career year in 2018. Throughout the first seven games of the season, the 6-0 wideout from Notre Dame recorded 503 yards on 32 receptions, to go along with four touchdowns.
