Texans' Veterans Return To Practice Ahead Of Matchup vs. Jaguars

Could the Houston Texans see the return of Laremy Tunsil and Jimmie Ward Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars?

HOUSTON — Laremy Tunsil and Jimmie Ward returned to practice Wednesday morning at the Houston Methodist Training Center. 

Coach DeMeco Ryans did not reveal if Tunsil and Ward would play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. But Ryans was happy to have his veteran players back. Both players were limited in their return.

"It was good to see Laremy back out at practice today as he continues to progress," Ryans said. "Jimmie is an instinctive playmaker, a really good football player. I love having him out there to provide his versatility on the defensive side of the ball. I was happy to see him back."

Tunsil was one of seven inactive players during the Houston Texans' 31-20 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts. He missed the game due to a knee injury. 

Ryans said Tunsil has received around-the-clock treatment in hopes of returning for their Week 3 contest. Josh Jones started in place of Tunsil at left tackle. He was responsible for two of the six sacks quarterback C.J. Stroud sustained in the loss.

"Laremy is a big part of this offense," Stroud said. "Not only by his play but just his presence as a leader. He is someone who has good experience. He has been in the league for an extremely long time and has done it at a high level. That's my guy. I missed him out there Sunday." 

Ward has missed the Texans' first two games due to a hip injury. He returned to a depleted defensive backfield due to the losses of Jalen Pitre (bruised lung) and Tavierre Thomas (broken hand).

Pitre and Thomas were two of three non-participants during practice. The other was veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman. 

Other players limited during practice were Tank Dell (thigh), George Fant (ankle/knee), Jonathan Greenard (knee), Eric Murray (concussion), and Robert Woods (not injury-related).