Christian Harris is set to make his season debut in Week 15. The third-year linebacker was activated from injured reserve on Saturday, per a Texans announcement.
Harris was given the IR/designated for return designation made available for the first time this season during roster cutdowns. That move used up one of the team’s eight activations – two of which remain at this point – and ensured at least a four-game absence to begin the campaign. Harris has remained on the sidelines until now, but his return will be welcomed.
The 23-year-old returned to practice this week, a sign that he could be available for the stretch run. That will indeed be the case, and Harris could have an immediate path to playing time. A starter for 23 of his first 28 games, Harris is a candidate to see first-team action as early as tomorrow especially with Azeez Al-Shaair unavailable. The latter’s three-game suspension was upheld upon appeal, creating a vacancy in the starting lineup for the time being.
Harris logged a snap share of 89% as a rookie, an immediate sign of his importance to the Texans’ defense and his potential over the long term. The Alabama product saw his workload decline last year, but he recorded 101 tackles and a pair of sacks during the regular season. That was followed up by 15 total stops and a pick-six in the playoffs, leading to high expectations moving forward.
Harris’ calf injury has delayed his career progression, but Houston general manager Nick Caserio expressed optimism last week that a return to the lineup could take place shortly. That has proven to be the case, and Harris could play a key role for the Texans down the stretch. Sitting at 8-5 on the year, they are in position to win the AFC South and make another trip to the postseason; Harris could be an important figure over the remainder of the campaign on a unit which already ranks fifth in total defense.