Jordan Thomas

“Came back in great shape. He's really lost a lot of weight, running good, catching the ball, blocking, so he's got to keep it going," O'Brien said. Thomas opened last year's training camp in a starting role but played behind Darren Fells and Jordan Akins when he returned from IR in November. The Texans also have 2019 third-rounder Kahale Warring on their roster, but Thomas shouldn't be in danger of getting cut.

Thomas, who caught four touchdown passes as a rookie in 2018, entered 2019 as a leading candidate to become the No. 1 tight end but lost ground to Darren Fells and Jordan Akins. A rib injury in the preseason finale landed him on injured reserve, but Thomas became one of Houston's injured players designated for return, although he failed to make an impact upon his return. The 23-year-old finished with just one catch on three targets during the regular season. He's one of three tight ends under contract for next season along with Akins and injured rookie Kahale Warring (concussion).

Thomas was elevated to the second tight end spot after the Texans made Jordan Akins (hamstring) inactive. Thomas, who was one of Houston's designated players to return from injured reserve, has done very little since coming off IR. His most active game was in the meaningless regular-season finale when he caught one of three targets for eight yards while playing 38 snaps.

Thomas was unable to practice due to an ailment Wednesday, but he's now resumed participating without limitations. He stands to play his usual rotational role in Houston's tight end corps against the Bills on Saturday.