Texans morning huddle: Day four in the books

Good morning Texans fans, and a happy Thursday to you all! We are creeping closer to the joint practice between the Texans and Redskins, so let’s check the news out that followed day four of the Houston Texans training camp!

17 observations from day four of #TexansCamp – by John Harris of HoustonTexans.com

"Day four was a short practice so the team can get out to the airport to catch a flight to Richmond but it wasn’t without excitement, for lack of a better word.What happened? Well, glad you asked.1. The absence of Arian Foster was noted and acknowledged and it was the thought on most everyone’s mind throughout the workout. But, Bill O’Brien addressed it after practice, said that he injured his groin and that he’d miss some time. It’s a tough gut punch to take but the team on the field seemingly went about its business as it always does. Teams/staffs can’t dwell and there’s plenty of work to get done. O’Brien knows this better than anyone. His first year as a full-time assistant with the New England Patriots in the very first game of the 2008 season, they lost Tom Brady for the season. That team won 11 games. I’d trust no one else to handle a curve ball like this more than Bill O’Brien.2. Ryan Mallett took snaps with the ones today and had some tremendous moments. He started the day hot completing all but one throw in a 1-on-1/group drill. He dropped a beautiful corner route on Anthony Denham for a TD. He then lasered one across the middle for a big gain. Then, he completed the drill with a dime to Jace Davis who had a miniscule step on the defensive back for another touchdown.3. Mallett had a couple of rough spots, including a few down on the goal line, but there weren’t many. After missing a wide open Jay Prosch during that goal line drill, the very next play Mallett threaded the needle on a frozen rope to EZ Nwachukwu for a touchdown. EZ’s No. 17 was the only blue jersey in the area with about four white ones present and Mallett stuck right in his gut.4. One of the things I heard and/or read this off-season was that Pro Football Focus rated Kareem Jacksonas a below average inside/slot corner. First off, I can’t even begin to get into that whole thing about PFF so I won’t (just know, I truly appreciate what they do, but it’s off and misguided on certain situations). As such, please know that it’s not gospel, for many reasons. Either way, I was impressed with his interior coverage today, including two or three pass break ups when he was matched up with WR Alan Bonner."

Texans, Pierre Thomas can’t agree to terms on deal – by Aaron Wilson of Chronicle.com

"The Texans’ plan to sign veteran former Saints running back Pierre Thomas was scuttled Wednesday when the two sides couldn’t agree to financial details on a one-year, $870,000 contract.Although the Texans’ veteran minimum offer with no guaranteed money wasn’t accepted by Thomas following a round of contract negotiations with the AFC South franchise, a source with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly indicated that talks could be revisited.Thomas has declined offers from other NFL teams and has declined other veteran minimum contract offers and offers above that figure. Thomas is regarded as flexible about playing for less than $2 million per year, though.The Texans also worked out former Jets running back Joe McKnight and former Texans and Cowboy running back Ben Malena, who played at Texas A&M, according to sources"

Hard Knocks 2015, Houston Texans: Premiere time and show schedule – by Chris Littmann of Sporting News

"The newest season of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” is almost here, which means the NFL season is just around the corner.The 2015 edition of “Hard Knocks” covers the training camp and the preseason schedule of the Houston Texans. Hopefully we’ll be getting a healthy dose of J.J. Watt.The Texans have their share of compelling storylines. They’re already down running back Arian Foster, who suffered a groin injury. They’re hoping for bigger and better things after a disappointing rookie season from No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney. They’re adjusting to life after Andre Johnson, who left for the Colts in the offseason. They’re still trying to figure out who will be their QB. Oh, and did we mention Watt?Here’s everything you need to know to catch this season of “Hard Knocks.”When does “Hard Knocks” with the Houston Texans premiere?The latest season of the HBO training camp miniseries debuts Tuesday, August 11 at 10 p.m. ET."

Next: Kenny Hilliard: opportunity there for young running back