(SportsRadio 610) - Providing an instant boost to fans anxiously awaiting updates ahead of a sold out Wild Card clash against the Cleveland Browns Saturday at NRG Stadium, the return of both defensive end Jonathan Greenard and wide receiver Noah Brown hope to have that same effect on the field come Saturday afternoon.
Both are officially listed as questionable heading into Saturday’s Wild Card game against the Browns.
Greenard played in just three snaps during the Texans 36-22 week 16 loss to the Browns, injuring an ankle on the first defensive series of the game, missed the final two games of the regular season against the Titans and Colts.
The fourth-year pro led the Texans in sacks this season with a career-high 12.5, including 15 tackles-for-loss and 22 quarterback hits.
Greenard, practicing for the first time since the injury, was limited Thursday, but didn’t appear to be restricted and moved well in drills.
Greenard was looking especially fast and strong during a couple of individual pass rush drills.
Greenard seemed confident that he’s going to be healthy and mobile enough to contribute on Saturday.
“I’m excited to get back out on the field, play ball with my boys again, excited and looking forward to it,” Greenard said.
As for receiver Noah Brown, he returned to workouts Thursday after sustaining a back injury during the Texans 19-16 overtime victory in week 17 over the Titans.
Brown, a limited participant in Thursday’s practice, has missed seven games this season due to various injuries, but has still managed to compile career-best marks in yards (567), yards-per-reception (17.2) and catches-per-game (3.3).
The Texans returned all of the DNP’s from Wednesday’s workout to the practice field on except for veteran defense end Jerry Hughes.
Hughes, 35, suffered an ankle injury in the regular season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, has officially been ruled out for Saturday. He played a vital role the final month of the regular season, playing in significantly more snaps due to injuries and load management of both Greenard and rookie edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.
In his last four games, Hughes has tallied two sacks, four tackles-for-loss and a forced fumble.
Meanwhile, Anderson was in good spirits after practice and looked to be moving well during the portion of Thursday’s workout available to the media. He’s officially been listed as questionable for Saturday.
Anderson, who had seven sacks during the regular season, is confident the Texans are ready for the big stage and opportunity that awaits them Saturday.
“We know what’s at stake, but if we go out there and play free and be free, we’ll have a really good chance of coming out on top,” Anderson said.
Fullback Andrew Beck, along with defensive tackles Maliek Collins, Sheldon Rankins, as well as receiver Robert Woods are all questionable heading into the weekend.
Saturday’s game at NRG Stadium, scheduled to kickoff at 3:30pm CST, has already been announced as sold out, with a limited number of tickets remaining on the secondary marketplace.