Houston Texans: Andre Hal’s return and versatility will improve defense
Houston Texans safety Andre Hal is beginning to practice after overcoming cancer. His return adds versatility to the secondary and will improve the defense.
The Houston Texans received great news this week… versatile defensive back Andre Hal has returned to practice after being diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma! His return means so much to this team so let’s break it down.
Last year Hal had 71 tackles and 3 interceptions and was one of the leaders of the defense. So coming into this season, he was supposed to be one of the starting safety’s. However, after blurry vision during practice, he was eventually diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma.
After his diagnosis, he immediately began his road to recovery, which included continuing to attend team workouts and team meetings. So Hal really has not missed a beat in regards to the X’s and O’s but he will have to get back into game shape.
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Hal’s return will be huge for this team because other than the offensive line, secondary help is the biggest need for this team. Kevin Johnson is likely out for the year and did not show any growth from last year prior to his concussion issues.
Kayvon Webster is also out for the year after making a VERY brief appearance for the Texans. Additionally, Aaron Colvin is out indefinitely after suffering a serious ankle injury. However, Colvin’s play was nowhere close to what it was during his time with the Jaguars.
This is where Hal’s return and need come together. Last year Hal was one of the Houston Texans starting safeties but the Texans consistently moved him into the slot and sometimes played him on the outside. Throughout his NFL career, Hal has essentially gained experience playing every position in this secondary.
Hal’s versatility will give Romeo Crennel and staff options of how to proceed with this secondary. They can get him up to speed and ready to play a lot of corner, at least until Colvin comes back, which is actually where he played coming out ignored Vanderbilt.
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They can also move Kareem Jackson back to the outside and allow Hal and 2018 third-round pick Justin Reid to man the other safety position opposite of Tyrann Mathieu.
There is no other way to put it, Hal’s return will improve this defense. Now it will be a hard decision on what moves need to be made but with the season the Houston Texans have had so far, this is the type of problem they want right now.
Hal is still technically on the Non-Football Injury list. Once a player on that list begins to practice again, the team hasn’t 21 days to activate them to the roster, otherwise, he will be relegated to the IR.
The Houston Texans will likely take a good portion of that time to ensure Hal is in goodness football shape. However, they’ll likely want him back as soon as possible to help out this struggling secondary.
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Hal will surely be able to help out this team this year but what’s even more amazing and impressive is he is back on the field less than 6 months after his cancer diagnosis.