Christian Harris is ready to make his season debut in Week 15. The third-year linebacker was activated from injured reserve on Saturday, per a Texans announcement.
Harris was given the IR/designated for return designation made accessible for the primary time this season throughout roster cutdowns. That transfer used up one of many workforce’s eight activations – two of which stay at this level – and ensured at the least a four-game absence to start the marketing campaign. Harris has remained on the sidelines till now, however his return can be welcomed.
The 23-year-old returned to follow this week, an indication that he might be accessible for the stretch run. That can certainly be the case, and Harris might have a right away path to enjoying time. A starter for 23 of his first 28 video games, Harris is a candidate to see first-team motion as early as Sunday, particularly with Azeez Al-Shaair unavailable. The latter’s three-game suspension was upheld upon attraction, making a emptiness within the beginning lineup in the meanwhile.
Harris logged a snap share of 89% as a rookie, a right away signal of his significance to the Texans’ protection and his potential over the long run. The Alabama product noticed his workload decline final yr, however he recorded 101 tackles and a pair of sacks in the course of the common season. That was adopted up by 15 whole stops and a pick-six within the playoffs, resulting in excessive expectations shifting ahead.
Harris’ calf harm has delayed his profession development, however Houston normal supervisor Nick Caserio expressed optimism final week {that a} return to the lineup might happen shortly. That has confirmed to be the case, and Harris might play a key function for the Texans down the stretch. Sitting at 8-5 on the yr, they’re ready to win the AFC South and make one other journey to the postseason; Harris might be an essential determine over the rest of the marketing campaign on a unit that already ranks fifth in whole protection.
