Texans offensive tackle Duane Brown missed the entire offseason, training camp and the first six games of the season during the longest contract holdout in franchise history.
Now, Brown is shedding rust and preparing to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
The three-time Pro Bowl blocker is upbeat about his chances of playing days after being reinstated from the reserve-did not report list.
"Yeah, I'm optimistic," Brown said. "It doesn't take long. Just going out there today and getting some work in with the pads on. That will be good for me."
Brown remains under a two-week roster exemption, but can be activated up until Saturday to be eligible to play Sunday.