Texans left tackle Duane Brown called 2016 “a long year” on Monday as he gets closer to rejoining the team after being taken off the physically unable to perform list over the weekend.
“It was a great feeling,” Brown said. “To be confident and knowing that I’ll be back before then is a great deal for me.”
By being taken off the PUP list, the Texans are confident that he’ll make his return to the lineup in the next six games. Brown is recovering from a torn quadriceps suffered back in January.
“Just taking it a day at a time right now. It’s progressing very well. Getting back on the field, doing position specific things, getting in shape,” Brown said. “Everything is going great right now. I haven’t put a day or a week yet on when I’ll be out there, but I’m just trying to keep going.”
The rehab process is a tedious one; frustration can easily set in. The Pro Bowl left tackle has had his ups and downs but is now mentally ready for the final push.
“I’ve come to terms with just not being disappointed at any time, but knowing there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Knowing that I’ll be back out there,” Brown said. “The way I feel right now, I’m very optimistic. It’ll always be tough, even in preseason games, standing on the sideline sucks. Watching my guys out there and not being out there, it sucks. Knowing that I’ll be out there eventually means everything to me.”
The Texans play the Bears in the season opener on September 11.
