HOUSTON (SPORTSRADIO 610) – Justin Reid was cleared from the non-football injury list on Monday, and practiced for the first time during Texans' training camp.
"Aw man, it feels amazing to be back on the field with the fellows. Out here having fun with the guys, able to make a few plays out on the field, it feels really good to be back. The past week, I felt I was just twiddling me thumbs so it feels good to be on the field again," Reid told the media following Monday's practice.
Reid, 22, was rear-ended in a car accident just before the start of camp and was forced to sit out the first four days of practices. With Reid's return to the field, the Texans and Head Coach Bill O'Brien get back a safety they're very high on.
"Smart guy, talented player, works very hard. Came back in really good shape, unfortunate with the car accident, but he's back out here today and he's in top form," O'Brien said. "He's a good football player and an important part of our football team in all areas, special teams too. So, it's good to have him back out here."
Reid impressed in his rookie year and started 12 games for the Texans in 2018, while posting 88 tackles with three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. Despite a strong performance in his first year in the NFL, Reid wants a giant leap in his development.
"I'm expecting a huge jump for myself from year one to year two, I know the team is expecting a lot from me, and I plan on rising to that standard and playing to it." Reid added.
Despite the high expectations, Reid knows that playing in every game in his rookie year, and contributing the way he did, will only prepare him more for his second season as a pro.
"Everything isn't the first time around. Now I've been there, I've played the Colts three times, I've played the Jaguars twice, I'm familiar with the NFL, I'm familiar with our system, I'm very comfortable in it," Reid said. "Now at this point it's about what other gains can I make stepping onto the field this year in order to keep raising the bar, in order to keep being a better player for the Houston Texans, in order to contribute to more wins for our team."
