Houston Texans’ Kenyon Green showcases growth and health as minicamp stands out

Christian Harris and Kamari Lassiter took center stage Wednesday morning during mandatory minicamp at the Houston Methodist Training Center.

The Houston Texans held a team scrimmage, during which Harris recorded an interception on quarterback CJ Stroud. His defensive stop came a few series after Lassiter recorded two TD passes to All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

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The Texans’ dominance on the defensive side of the ball has overshadowed the success of the offense. Nico Collins caught a 20-yard thrown touchdown pass from Stroud, while Tank Dell continued to play amid his continued recovery from two respective leg injuries.

However, Kenyon Green may have been the most impressive player on the offensive side of the ball. The third-year offensive lineman held his own against veteran Mario Edwards, and his production in 11-on-11 play showed why the 2024 season could be a comeback year for the former Texas A&M prospect.

“Credit to him for the work he did,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “The work he did in the offseason, he gave himself this chance and he’ll continue to build on that and come back to camp ready to roll.”

Green has been one of the most important players during OTAs and minicamps. He changed his body, giving him a slimmer appearance. The improvements in his stature have made Green look more athletic and stronger off the line of scrimmage.

His progress comes a year after a shoulder injury forced him to miss the entire 2023 season. Although the injury was disappointing, Green used the previous nine months to rehabilitate and prepare for the 2024 season. .

He spent almost every day in the facility, which added to his motivation to not only return to the practice field, but to reestablish himself as a prospect that gave general manager Nick Caserio the confidence needed to trade for him in the 2022 NFL Draft.

As a former injured player, Ryans understood the difficult position Green found himself in. He became a confidant of Green. Nearly every conversation the two sides have had has led to Green expressing his desire to join the Texans on game days.

“Some guys, when they get hurt, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s going on,” Ryans said. “But he was always there in the meetings, and when I see him, I always try to encourage him, like I think of all the players. I think we all need that encouragement, especially when you’re on IR – we sometimes feel alone.

“It’s a tough time when you’re going through an injury and everyone’s out at training and you go home.”

The 2024 season will also be an opportunity for Green to move beyond a mediocre rookie year. He started 14 of 15 games as a freshman prospect in 2022. He battled injuries, resulting in him allowing 47 pressures, 31 carries, 12 quarterback hits and five sacks. the left guard.

However, if Green’s performance in team scrimmages is any indication of his growth, he will play a vital role in helping the Texans achieve their championship aspirations next season.

Standing up to the veteran defensive line left coaches and teammates proud. One of Green’s most important supporters is Will Anderson Jr., who is starting to see flashes of the two-time All-American he played against during his college career at Alabama.

“He’s been really good this offseason,” Anderson said. “He took care of his body, rehabbed himself and did everything the right way. I had the chance to continue to see him improve, and that was great to see. I’m really excited for him. He has great things to come.”

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Follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24.