What Led To Cancellation Of Texans, Saints Joint Practices?

Coach DeMeco Ryans spoke on the decision that led to the Houston Texans canceling joint practices with the Saints.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints mutually agreed to cancel their joint practices Sunday evening. The Texans had two practices scheduled in New Orleans, which coincided with their final preseason game Sunday at the Caesars Superdome Stadium. 

"With canceling joint practices with the Saints, we are a little banged up, it was in the best interest of the team to put our guys first," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "Thankful to Dennis [Allen] and the Saints for the opportunity to have the joint practices. The one thing we always talk about is having a team-first mentality."

Ryans did not feel that joint practices with the Saints would have been productive, given the number of minor injuries to his players. Instead, the Texans will use the upcoming week as a "normal in-season game week," marking the end of training camp.  

One minor injury that has plagued the Texans over the past five days has been Tank Dell. The rookie wide receiver missed Saturday's preseason contest against the Miami Dolphins due to leg tightness. Ryans did not have an update on his rookie wide receiver Monday morning but reiterated that Dell "will be fine."

"Each player is different when it comes to that rehabilitation process," Ryans said. "Some guys bounce back in two or three days, while others, it may take a little longer. Each guy would be handled on an individual basis." 

Before their 28-3 preseason loss, the Texans held joint practices against the Dolphins at the Houston Methodist Training Center. Ryans and players spoke on the advantages, which included giving rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud a chance to see different schematic defensive looks in real time.

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