Texans training camp: DC Matt Burke shares update on LB Christian Harris

Laremy Tunsil isn’t the only significant player from the Houston Texans missing the start of training camp due to injury.

Third-year linebacker Christian Harris did not participate in drills for the second consecutive day and wasn’t seen outside with the rest of the roster during Saturday’s practice. Multiple players have rotated his spot, including former Alabama teammate Henry To’oTo’o.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Thursday that certain players would be on “timelines” for their return to the field due to injuries. Harris is one of them for now, though it isn’t a massive concern for the defensive staff, including coordinator Matt Burke.

“We expect him back when he is ready to play ball for us,” Burke said Saturday following practice. “A lot of guys you will see as you are here throughout there are just different sorts of plans to get ready.”

According to KPRC 2 Sports, Harris is dealing with soft-tissue damage in his leg that isn’t expected to keep him out long-term. The Texans could have him rest on Sunday with the rest of the squad and return to practice in a limited capacity on Monday.

Neither Tunsil nor Harris are injured enough to be placed on the PUP list, so it’s a sign in the right direction. Burke mentioned the goal is to have everyone healthy for Week 1’s road trip against the Indianapolis Colts.

“Each guy has an individualized plan,” said Burke. “He will be ready to go when it is time.”

Last year in DeMeco Ryans’ linebacker-friendly scheme, Harris posted a career-high 101 tackles and two sacks during the regular season. In the wild-card round victory over the Cleveland Browns, he returned an interception returned for a touchdown during the third quarter.