Sept. 16, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing (56) gets warmed up before the start of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans’ first spring workout began on Monday, and as expected, Ed Reed and Brian Cushing were nowhere to be seen.

Reed is still recovering from hip surgery earlier this month in Colorado, according to Fox News. Cushing is reportedly close to one hundred per cent, but will probably miss OTA’s altogether.

The Texans’ OTA’s will run from now through until June 6, so there’s plenty of time  for Reed and Cushing to return to the practice field later on. Fully padded practices won’t begin until later in the year, so there’s no risk of hard hits or more strain on the injuries just yet.

Finally, the last word out of day one’s session was kind of scary (in a good way). The Texans’ official site posted a list of quotes coming from the likes of Gary Kubiak and others, but the standout came from J.J. Watt who commented on his goals in 2013:

“Higher and higher. Higher and higher. There is no reason to try and repeat last year. I’m trying to be better than last year. Every single day I come to work out, every day I come to practice, I’m trying to be better than I was last year.”

Looks like we can expect 30.5 sacks and eight fumbles this year.

Jan 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Brooks Reed (58) sits on the bench during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Texans coach Wade Phillips unleashed a secret last week that linebacker Brooks Reed underwent surgery to repair a groin injury in January. What most of us weren’t expecting, was for Reed to be so close to 100 per cent just as OTA’s are about to begin.

Dave Zangaro of CSN Houston reported earlier today that Reed’s injury was sustained during Thanksgiving last year, and that he has had “a lot of time to recover”. The news is good since the Texans struggled last season at linebacker, and may also see Brian Cushing finally return fit and healthy.

The Texans defense now looks to be taking shape following the draft. Two big returns, and the edition of Sam Montgomery and Trevardo Williams at the same position add a lot of extra depth.

There should be some big battles at training camp for starting spots.

Aug 30, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Deji Karim (39) runs a kick off back against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

In terms of post draft moves, the Texans have been quiet when it comes to signing players following rookie mini camp earlier this week. On Wednesday though, the Texans signed running back Deji Karim, according to Tania Ganguli of the Houston Chronicle. 

Karim was an undrafted free agent a season ago, after spending a few games with the Indianapolis Colts. Karim hasn’t seen much of the field at all since 2011 where he had 130-yards to his name with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and will now find himself among a competitive roster in Houston.

Alongside the addition of Karim, the Texans also cut a running back, George Winn, and released tackle Dann O’Neil. It appears the Texans are staying busy on the ground game ahead of the season – Winn’s spending only one year in college didn’t help his chances.