In addition to Harris, the Texans also opened the 21-day return window for offensive guard Kenyon Green. With linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair suspended for the team’s next three games, Harris should be tasked with a bigger role once he returns to action. The third-year linebacker has not played a regular season snap, but tallied a career-high 101 tackles and two sacks last season.

Harris is eligible to come off injured reserve this week, but it appears his timeline will be pushed further into the distance. Henry To’oTo’o has been starting for the Texans in Harris’ absence.

Harris isn’t practicing with the team in the early stages of training camp. The third-year linebacker, who totaled 101 tackles and two sacks, is instead observing from the sideline as he works his way back to the field. According to Wilson, Harris “is expected back relatively soon,” so we won’t read too much into this for now. Harris turned in a career year last season and is expected to help anchor a Texans defense that ranked 11th in points allowed per game (20.8) in 2023.

The rookie linebacker appeared to hurt his shoulder while trying to deliver a big hit to Trent Sherfield in the red zone. He spent time in the blue medical tent but was spotted on the sideline afterwards. Jalen Reeves-Maybin has replaced him in the lineup for the time being.