Linebacker Xavier Adibi's hamstring injury will sideline him until OTAs begin May 19.
* Adibi down:*The Texans' first significant injury of mini-camp occurred Friday, when rookie linebacker Xavier Adibi suffered a hamstring pull that will sideline him for the remainder of the weekend workouts.
The good news, though, is that the fourth-round draft pick from Virginia Tech should return by May 19 for the beginning of the team's OTAs, or organized team activities, at the Methodist Training Center.
"It's not going to set him back drastically far, but it is a setback because all of a sudden there's going to be guys that have about 200 reps under their belts before we get through this weekend, and he's just watching," coach Gary Kubiak said.
Adibi downplayed the injury.
"Yeah, it's a little hamstring, nothing really, really major, but I guess they are just keeping me out as a precautionary measure so I can be ready come OTA time," he said.
He suffered the injury during a special teams drill while running down a kick.
Linebacker Morlon Greenwood said he saw some good signs from Adibi.
"Before that (injury) he showed good quickness and good reads and everything," Greenwood said. "I think as long as he continues to work hard, he'll continue to get more fundamentally sound."
Rhodes right at home:The Texans added one of the most renowned coaches in the NFL this offseason by hiring assistant defensive backs coach Ray Rhodes, a former head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers.
{QUOTE}His arrival from the Seattle Seahawks already is paying dividends on the field and in the meeting room.
"Coaching-wise, he's giving me little tips here and there," cornerback Fred Bennett said. "When I mess up, he pulls me off and he talks to me and he lets me know, 'Hey, we're going to take your game to another level,' and I'm ready to accept that."
Bennett's teammates also value Rhodes' input.
"Yes, everybody's just buying in to what he's talking about, him and (defensive backs) coach (Jon) Hoke back there," Bennett said. "Two great DB coaches. When you have two great DB coaches and both of them are spitting their knowledge at you, you don't have anything to do but get better."
Robinson biding time: A lengthy rehabilitation process can be agonizing for players that are anxious to return to the field.
Cornerback Dunta Robinson understands that well, but he's trying to make the most out of his situation this weekend during mini-camp as he continues to recover from multiple leg injuries.
"I thought being robbed was going to be a challenge, but tearing that knee up and having to deal with that every day for going on six months now, that's an even bigger challenge," he said. "It's been tough, but it's made me a humble person, realizing that you can't take your health for granted. You know, you look out here and see all these guys running around and sometimes you can take that for granted, and you can't do it, and it makes you realize those types of things."
In the meantime, Robinson is pleased to help out in any capacity possible. He's offering advice when possible, and also using his time to visualize himself making plays.
"I get a lot of mental reps," he said. "I put myself out there in the one-on-one situations. I put myself out there in the seven-on-seven situations and also the team situations and just envision myself making plays over and over again. So that's doing a lot of good for me just to be out here watching."
Kubiak is banking on Robinson returning by mid-season, perhaps earlier if his current rate of progress continues.
"I tell you what, he can't stand it," Kubiak said of Robinson. "He's right there in the middle of everything watching it. I tell him to get off the field, but he's been impressive with his work and he's way ahead of schedule, as they would say. But we expect him to make it back full speed."
Shanahan misses the cut: Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has family in Crawford, Texas today to attend the wedding of Jenna Bush, the daughter of President George W. Bush.
Shanahan's father, Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, will be at the festivities with his wife, Peggy, and daughter, Krystal, who attended the University of Texas with Jenna.
"They were roommates together and they were in the same sorority," Kyle said of his sister and Jenna. "So she's been close with her for a long time and she invited (Jenna) to my wedding, and I think my sister is doing something in the wedding, so (Jenna) invited my parents also."
Kyle joked that he didn't think his dad would get an invite to the wedding that reportedly has a guest list of only 200 people.
"Yeah, I am surprised," he said. "I definitely didn't think that he would. He made it. I was disappointed that I didn't. But I guess with 200 people, they have a big family, so I understand."
Asked if his dad would give a speech at the nuptials, Kyle quickly shook his head.
"No, definitely not," he said. "Too many good speakers there for him to talk."
