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It’s been a rough day. The good news is that there was some other Texans injury news today that didn’t involve the sidelining of one of the team’s defensive stars for an extended period of time.
Brian Cushing, Duane Brown, Antonio Smith & Texans practiced inside NRG Stadium on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/X5O7sI8UYj
— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) September 28, 2016
Yes, after suffering an injury in the season opener that was believed would keep him sidelined for six weeks, the Texans’ inside linebacker made his return to practice. What’s more interesting is that Bill O’Brien stated in his press conference today that Brian Cushing might play soon:
O'Brien on Cushing (knee) returning to practice: "Great to get him back. Looks like he's ramping it up to be able to play."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 28, 2016
Whether that means Sunday against the Titans or some later game is unknown. Cushing himself was optimistic that he’s getting closer to playing but stopped short of promising an immediate return:
Brian Cushing on returning early: 'A lot of hard work, I'm not saying I'm all the way back.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 28, 2016
So a day after losing its best player to injury, possibly for the rest of the season, the Texans’ defense looks like it might just be getting one of its more vital pieces back sooner than expected.
What do you think about this news? Should the Texans be extra cautious with Cushing, considering what just happened with Watt, or should they get him back into the fray as soon as possible? Leave your answers and more in the comments below.