Running back Jonathan Grimes had a quick turnaround on Thursday morning.
Claimed by the Texans off waivers on Wednesday after being released by the New York Jets, Grimes arrived in Houston via airplane at 10:15 a.m. He went straight to Reliant Stadium and, within minutes of getting reacquainted with his old coaching staff, was on the field for 12:05 p.m. practice.
"He actually came running in the building at about a quarter to 12, and he went from a handshake to kickoff," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's back to work real quick."
Grimes was with the Texans all offseason as an undrafted free agent out of William & Mary. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry in the preseason, then was released in final roster cuts and signed back to the practice squad.
The Texans lost Grimes for a few weeks to the Jets, who signed him to their active roster on Sept. 25.
"It's great to have him back," Kubiak said. "Doesn't happen like that very often. We knew we probably lost a darn good young player, but (we) fortunately found a way to get him back. Happy that he's on our team. He's going to be (active) this week and he's going to contribute somehow, someway."
Kubiak said Grimes will play on special teams on Sunday, which he did in the preseason in addition to his running back duties. Grimes said he's "ready to go to work" and contribute in whatever role the Texans have in mind.
"I was really happy (to rejoin the Texans)," Grimes said. "I'm really comfortable with the system and everything. I was here so long, I got a feel from the guys. There's a lot of love here. It's just good to be back.
"Kubiak and (Texans general manager) Rick Smith always said I had a home here. It's just good to be back home."
Grimes has the same number, 43, and most of the same teammates and coaches as he did in his first stint with the Texans. But not everything is the same for him at Reliant. His old locker, next to Arian Foster's, is now occupied by practice squad running back Davin Meggett.
Grimes was moved seven lockers to the left into the northeast corner of the locker room, neighboring Keshawn Martin and several other wide receivers.
"It's alright," Grimes said, looking back at his new locker and smiling. "It's not bad, tucked away. Just glad to have one here."
Twitter.com/NickScurfield
