Houston Texans: Training Camp Preview

Sep 15, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker

(56) during a timeout from the game against the Tennessee Titans at Reliant Stadium. The Houston Texans beat the Tennessee Titans 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

4. Inside Linebackers

After a knee injury in the Week 7 defeat at Kansas City, Brian Cushing was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list yesterday. Only a physical and his health stand between him getting back on the field.

Akeem Dent and Justin Tuggle join him on the inside. Tuggle was a bright spot on special teams last season. Jeff Tarpinian and Mike Mohamed are also veterans on the team, and free agent rookie Max Bullough turned a lot of heads in May and June, and could earn a job as the backup inside linebackers.

Brooks Reed was also able to see some time inside during OTAs and mini-camp and could see time again during training camp. Defensive coordinator, Romeo Crennel said Reed is a “value” to the defense due to his ability to contribute inside and out.

With the loss of Cushing on the field, Tuggle was able to take a lot of reps on the first team and was able to call the plays. He spent a great deal of time picking linebackers coach, Mike Vrabel‘s brain during the day and former NFL-standout father, Jesse Tuggle’s, at night.