While the Texans didn’t get running back Arian Foster back at practice on Sunday, another injured player has returned to the field.
Linebacker Darryl Sharpton, who’d been on the non-football injury list with a groin problem, joined the active roster and practiced with the team.
Via Corey Roepken of the Houston Chronicle, the fourth-year veteran “made several noteworthy plays” during the session.
“Any time you’re on the football field it’s a blessing,” Sharpton said. “I think I’m a pretty good competitor. I love fighting through the heat and getting on these pads, smashing and banging. I love playing football. I love being back out here.”
He loves it so much he keeps getting hurt while doing it. Last year, a quad injury kept Sharpton on the PUP list until Week 11. He appeared in the final seven games of the regular season, with five starts. But then Sharpton landed on injured reserve for the postseason, with a hip injury.
Sharpton’s health, or lack of it, fueled the decision to sign former Broncos linebacker Joe Mays. And Mays’ presence could be fueling Sharpton to hit a new level of performance.
“He brought some intensity to practice,” Kubiak said of Sharpton. “He’s a banger. If he can stay in one piece he can really help this team. He’s a heckuva player. We’ve got our fingers crossed we’re going in the right direction.”
For Sharpton, the right direction simply means being able to walk in the direction of the field far more often than not.