Excerpt from Pro Football Network: Derek Stingley Jr. on schedule, Davis Mills taking command

Texans veteran cornerback Steven Nelson mentioned that Stingley intercepted a pass this week during a practice that was closed to the media.

Although the Texans won’t have Stingley practice every time during training camp toward the goal of having him play every game as a shutdown corner, they are upbeat about his outlook. And Texans coach Lovie Smith anticipates Stingley being ready to go for the first game of the regular season against the Indianapolis Colts.

“Yes, I do,” Smith said. “Whenever a player is coming out with a major injury, this ramp-up period, that’s what it’s for. We’re going to ease him into it. He’s healthy, seeing him run around. We had him doing a few plays. He’s got in some plays each day. He’s on schedule.”

The Texans limited Stingley to individual drills during organized team activities and minicamp, but they’re excited about his potential, and they aren’t worried about his medical outlook.

“Derek’s status has been what it has been from the beginning,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “He’s out here working. Derek’s attitude has been good. He’s gotten some really good work in here over the last five to six weeks. He’s been able to get some work done here in the last few days as well. We’re not speculating about what a player can and can’t do.

“Derek has done a lot of stuff. Some of his testing stuff and metrics are better than anybody else. I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s limited. There are just certain things he hasn’t experienced yet that he’s going to have to go through. Like any player, you have to reacclimate the body and the mind.”

At 6’0″, 190 pounds, with a recorded 4.37 40-yard dash, Stingley has speed to burn. The Texans identified him as the top cornerback on their draft board and thus, selected him one pick before the New York Jets drafted Cincinnati All-American corner Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. Then, Stingley signed a fully guaranteed, four-year, $34.6 million contract that includes a $22.3 million signing bonus and a fifth-year club option.

“Great start,” Nelson said of Stingley’s early returns. “It’s limitless to me. His potential is through the roof.”

A former freshman All-American and two-time All-SEC selection, Stingley is a former five-star, blue-chip recruit who finished his college career with 73 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

“Stingley got that demeanor,” Cooks said. “He reminds me of a guy that I played with — not going to say any names — but that guy was special. Quiet guy, come out here, and he’s about business.”

Excerpt from Pro Football Network: Derek Stingley Jr. on schedule, Davis Mills taking command

Texans veteran cornerback Steven Nelson mentioned that Stingley intercepted a pass this week during a practice that was closed to the media.

Although the Texans won’t have Stingley practice every time during training camp toward the goal of having him play every game as a shutdown corner, they are upbeat about his outlook. And Texans coach Lovie Smith anticipates Stingley being ready to go for the first game of the regular season against the Indianapolis Colts.

“Yes, I do,” Smith said. “Whenever a player is coming out with a major injury, this ramp-up period, that’s what it’s for. We’re going to ease him into it. He’s healthy, seeing him run around. We had him doing a few plays. He’s got in some plays each day. He’s on schedule.”

The Texans limited Stingley to individual drills during organized team activities and minicamp, but they’re excited about his potential, and they aren’t worried about his medical outlook.

“Derek’s status has been what it has been from the beginning,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “He’s out here working. Derek’s attitude has been good. He’s gotten some really good work in here over the last five to six weeks. He’s been able to get some work done here in the last few days as well. We’re not speculating about what a player can and can’t do.

“Derek has done a lot of stuff. Some of his testing stuff and metrics are better than anybody else. I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s limited. There are just certain things he hasn’t experienced yet that he’s going to have to go through. Like any player, you have to reacclimate the body and the mind.”

At 6’0″, 190 pounds, with a recorded 4.37 40-yard dash, Stingley has speed to burn. The Texans identified him as the top cornerback on their draft board and thus, selected him one pick before the New York Jets drafted Cincinnati All-American corner Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. Then, Stingley signed a fully guaranteed, four-year, $34.6 million contract that includes a $22.3 million signing bonus and a fifth-year club option.

“Great start,” Nelson said of Stingley’s early returns. “It’s limitless to me. His potential is through the roof.”

A former freshman All-American and two-time All-SEC selection, Stingley is a former five-star, blue-chip recruit who finished his college career with 73 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

“Stingley got that demeanor,” Cooks said. “He reminds me of a guy that I played with — not going to say any names — but that guy was special. Quiet guy, come out here, and he’s about business.”