Texans practice recap: Get a look at the new receiving corps

For the first time in 2020, the media was invited to get a glimpse at Houston Texans practice.

The Texans were practicing inside their practice bubble at Houston Methodist Training Center. The practice bubble is one of the advantages the Texans have when it comes to devising different environments.

“Once we get to Phase 2, we’ll begin to work more ball security drills, takeaway drills and things like that,” coach and general manager Bill O’Brien told reporters on Aug. 6. “That’s going to be a big part of the early part of the season.”

Aug. 14 was the first full day in pads for the Texans.

New receiver Randall Cobb, who signed with Houston in free agency, looked crisp as the receiving corps worked its way into practice.

Receiver Will Fuller looked a bit more toned and fit in practice.

Rookie fifth-round pick Isaiah Coulter was present, but he wasn’t practicing. Similarly, wideout Kenny Stills was at practice, but wasn’t out on the field as he is still on the active/non-football illness list.

Houston’s offensive line was able to build more cohesion. Texans fans will never grow weary of hearing how it’s the first time since 2011 Houston is returning the same five starters, especially since they watched all their quarterbacks get beat up since then.

The quarterbacks were able to put in work on the practice field. Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, who will also be coaching quarterbacks, likes the working chemistry between starter Deshaun Watson and backups A.J. McCarron and Alex McGough.

Cornerback Gareon Conley was at practice, according to the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson. Conley was on the physically unable to perform list following his recovery from offseason ankle surgery.

The Texans will be back at it on Saturday for another practice session open to the media. Houston pro football fans have to be excited to see their team, even in a premature form, for the first time in 2020.

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