Houston Texans training camp news for Aug. 5, 2025: Dameon Pierce returns to practice while OT Cam Robinson suffers a minor injury. Get the latest updates.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
It was a day of exhales and held breaths at Texans training camp. Just as the offense celebrated the much-anticipated return of star running back Dameon Pierce, the collective pulse of H-Town skipped a beat with a minor injury to newly acquired offensive tackle Cam Robinson. It's the perfect encapsulation of training camp: a step forward, a slight stumble, and a constant reminder of how crucial health and depth are on the road to Week 1.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans on the competitive environment: 'It's been a great back and forth... that's what makes you a good football team.'
The best news of the day was the sight of #31 back on the field. Dameon Pierce, after passing his physical, was officially activated and wasted no time rejoining the backfield. His return injects immediate energy and proven production into an offense looking to build chemistry. However, the celebration was tempered when left tackle Cam Robinson got 'dinged' during drills. While Coach Ryans assured everyone the injury isn't serious, it served as a stark reminder of the offensive line's importance. Keeping the quarterback upright and opening lanes for Pierce is paramount, and even a minor scare highlights the need for the entire unit to be ready.
Replacing a franchise icon is never easy, but rookie long snapper Austin Brinkman is making it look that way. Signed to take over for the legendary Jon Weeks, the West Virginia product has been nothing short of impressive. Coaches are raving about his consistency, reliability, and calm demeanor—crucial traits for a high-pressure position. Brinkman, a five-year collegiate starter and academic All-Big 12 selection, already signed a three-year rookie deal with $110,000 guaranteed, signaling the team's confidence in him. As Coach Ryans noted, the staff is eager to see him perform in live game action, where the pressure truly mounts.
All this practice, competition, and roster shuffling is leading to one thing: the preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Coach Ryans expressed his excitement to finally evaluate his squad in a game setting. This will be the first real test for many, from seeing how Pierce looks after his time off to watching how the offensive line holds up and whether Austin Brinkman's snapping precision translates from the practice field. For fans, it's the first chance to see the 2025 Texans in action and get a feel for the identity this team is building under Ryans' leadership.
With Pierce back in the fold, a new special teams anchor emerging in Brinkman, and the first preseason game on the horizon, the real evaluation period for the 2025 Texans is about to begin. The controlled chaos of practice will soon give way to the bright lights of game day against the Vikings, offering the first true glimpse of what this team is made of. All eyes will be on the depth chart as players fight for their roster spots.
