Rookie nose tackle Louis Nix III and fullback Jay Prosch returned to the practice field in full pads on Tuesday after missing time in training camp.
Nix, 23, was removed from the Active/PUP list after after passing his physical. The third-round draft pick underwent arthroscopic knee surgery before the start of camp and could potentially participate in joint practices with the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday. Head coach Bill O'Brien said he would make that decision after seeing how Nix fared following Tuesday's practice.
"It's really trying to ease him back into things because he's been out for a while," O'Brien said. "It's a matter of getting him back in football shape, getting him some work in pads and not throwing him right back in there for 50 reps in a practice. We'll just continue to work him back in."
Fullback Jay Prosch also practiced on Tuesday, wearing a cast that covered his left hand and wrist. Prosch, 21, took part in 11-on-11s in practice.
"He's been a guy that since he walked in here he's worked very hard," O'Brien said. "He's one of those guys that hates to miss anything so it was good to have him back out there today with the taped-up cast on and things like that. He was trying to do as much as he could."
The Texans will hold joint practices with the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday and Thursday at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
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