Texans trying out veteran WR Sims-Walker, three others
The Texans are giving veteran wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker a close look at minicamp beginning Tuesday.
Sims-Walker is one of four notable veterans working out with the team on a tryout basis for the next three days. Fullback Moran Norris and linebackers Prescott Burgess and Keith Browner are also taking part in the practice sessions.
Sims-Walker, 27, has battled knee injuries since emerging as a late-round find for the Jaguars in his second season in the NFL. He started 14 games in that 2009 season and caught 63 passes for 869 yards and seven touchdowns.
But after starting 13 games in 2009 with Jacksonville (43-562-7), he signed with the Rams as a free agent. Sims-Walker lasted only one month into the regular season before he was released by St. Louis and re-signed with the Jaguars, but soon after was placed on season-ending injured reserve with another knee problem.
Norris turns 34 on Saturday. The Houston native is a longshot to make the roster and play in his 12th NFL season. The Texans plan to use H-back James Casey as a fullback and tight end to allow for maximum formation versatility on the fly. They have 23-year-old Derrell Smith and 22-year-old Jason Ford on the roster behind Casey.
Burgess played mostly special teams in five NFL seasons, including four with the Ravens.
