Text size:   |   Email article    Print article
Share: ?These icons link to popular social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new stories.   Digg    Del.icio.us    Newsvine

Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson had 60 catches for 851 yards last year, but injuries limited him to nine games. (Associated Press)

HOUSTON - Star receiver Andre Johnson will be back on the field after a 2007 season plagued by injuries, but first-round pick Duane Brown might not be when the Houston Texans begin training camp today.

Johnson, who made 60 receptions for 851 yards in nine games last year, has recovered from arthroscopic knee surgery that kept him out of Houston’s offseason workouts.

Brown, the 26th pick in the NFL Draft, remained the Texans’ only unsigned draft pick Thursday.

The Texans continued to try to work out a deal Thursday. They expect Brown to start at left tackle this season, so it is important that he not miss time in camp.

A couple of players said they had spoken to Brown and encouraged him to get to camp on time, but right tackle Eric Winston said he wouldn’t have the same advice.

“I’m not going to tell him that,” Winston said. “That’s his business and he has to do what he needs to do. I hope he gets as much money as he can.”

Brown, who was projected by most as a second-round pick, played just one season at left tackle in college. He didn’t do very well lining up against star defensive end Mario Williams in offseason practices, but coaches are confident he’ll improve with time and practice.

Johnson missed seven games last season with a knee injury and had surgery in mid-May after a nagging pain remained in his knee.

“I’m actually feeling pretty good,” he said. “I was out running routes yesterday with Matt (Schaub). I haven’t had any pain since I’ve been out running or anything.”

Johnson, a sixth-year player who had a career-high eight touchdowns last season, said he won’t be limited in practice. He’ll pair with Schaub, who enters his second season as the starting quarterback.

Schaub also struggled with injuries last season, missing five games and portions of several more with various ailments. He said he has recovered from offseason surgery to repair his non-throwing shoulder.

Johnson is looking forward to the possibilities for the offense if he, Schaub and Ahman Green can stay healthy this season. As usual, Johnson said his only goal is to get the Texans their first playoff berth.

“Anything else, it really doesn’t matter,” he said.

To do that, the Texans must fare better in AFC South games. Houston was 1-5 in the division last season. The Texans were the only team in the division that didn’t make the postseason last year.