Notes from the Texans' practice and locker room on Thursday at Reliant Stadium:
Ready for SundayArian Foster practiced again today, but will he play Sunday against the Saints? For more on that possibility, click here.
Comfort leve risingDuring the first few weeks of the preseason, there was speculation by many media members that the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker by Mario Williams wasn't going to work. Williams, with a pair of sacks as well as a pass deflection that turned into an interception, has quieted that talk through the first two games.
"I know the position now," Williams said Friday. "It's just about me going out there, playing ball, going to my keys and my responsibility, knowing what I see and going off of that."
Playing the new spot, and playing it well, has been an enjoyable experience for the sixth-year pro.
"Yeah, it's a lot of fun going on out there," Williams said. "We're a lot more comfortable, including myself, so pretty much just trying to go out there and let loose."
Running back wolfpackArian Foster is the reigning NFL rushing champ. Ben Tate has rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the first two games. Steve Slaton topped the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie in 2008, while Derrick Ward accomplished the same feat in 2008 with the Giants. Foster talked on Friday about how the running backs corps is tight-knit
"We have a good relationship in our running back group," Foster said. "Everybody's pretty close. We're all pulling for each other."
Tate, meanwhile, described how he's been able to accomplish what he has in the first two games after missing alll of 2010 with a lower leg injury.
"I work hard," Tate said. "I worked hard to come back from this injury, and I think always when I talk to kids, when I tell anyone, I always think hard work pays off."
Quotable
"Every game's a statement game." –Outside linebacker Mario Williams, on if Sunday's contest against the Saints is a "statement game"
"I'm just not sure how to gauge progress with a hamstring injury anymore." –Running back Arian Foster, on the progress his hamstring is making
