The Texans’ training camp opened last Thursday, with the rookies reporting, veterans reporting on Friday, and already the battles for spots on the roster have started.

All of the starters from last year showed up, with the exception of Dunta Robinson, even though not all of them have long term contracts worked out yet.  TE Owen Daniels and LB DeMeco Ryans have both discussed their dissatisfaction with their contract status, but both are in camp and working hard to help the defense and offense improve.

The injury bug has already been nibbling at the team.  Several players are on the pup already, with the most notable being CB Antwaun Molden (foot), who should be back for the start of the regular season.  DT Travis Johnson (hernia) had surgery a month ago, and should be ready for the start of the season also.  DT Amobi Okoye had his knee scoped last month, and the coaches are easing him back in to the training, so as to not re injure the knee.

With the injuries and holdout, the backups and rookies are taking advantage of the reps with the first team, and working hard for the positions that are open.

DT DelJuan Robinson is showcasing his abilities, while DT Johnson is on pup, trying to win the starter’s spot.  He has a high revving motor and gets after the ball, but he is a run stopper, so he should come out on passing downs.

In other battles, RB’s Chris Brown and Ryan Moats are battling it out for Slayton’s backup.  Brown is healthy again (he always is at this time of the year), but has yet to stay that way for the season.  Moats seems to have the edge here, but you never know with these two.  The UFA rookie rb’s that the Texans picked up, are working hard and hoping for a spot on special teams.

All of the Texans’ draft picks have signed contracts, with SLB Brian Cushing signing last.  Cushing hoped to be at camp on day one, but his contract was not completed.  He flew in on Sunday, but could not complete his physical and sign his contract, in time to make practice at 3:30 pm.  For those of you who care, Cushing is sporting a new haircut, courtesy of Matt Schaub, David Anderson, and DeMeco Ryans.  The Texans are hoping that Cushing can help upgrade the pass rush.

G Chester Pitts is in a very unusual place as camp starts, standing on the sidelines with the coaches.  The Texans’ Ironman is rehabbing his shoulder, so third year backup, Kasey Studdard, is getting the majority of reps right now.  Don’t worry about that, since Pitts will be back by the start of the season.

Possibly the biggest news right now for the Texans, is that former Cowboys’ VP of Players/Personnel and analyst for NFL.com, Gil Brandt, has come out and predicted that the Texans will win the AFC South.  Coming from someone of Brandt’s background, this is good news or bad news, depending on how you look at it.  The good news is, that the Texans may have finally arrived in the NFL, the bad news is that, maybe now, everyone else will start paying attention to the Texans and game planning specifically for them.

The Texans are looking good, so far this season, and if everything goes well, they may very well prove Gil Brandt right and win the division this year.  Only time will tell.  We will have more updates next week and preview the first preseason game against Kansas City.