Brooks Reed sacks New Orleans quarterback Chase Daniel and forces a fumble on Saturday. Photo by Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE
Former Arizona Wildcats defensive end Brooks Reed, coming off an impressive preseason game, is solidifying his spot in the Houston Texans’ rotation as a rookie.
Reed, a second-round pick, had two sacks and forced two fumbles Saturday against the New Orleans Saints.
“He’s probably the one player right now showing the most vast improvement from day-to-day, practice-to-practice and game-to-game,” said Texans coach Gary Kubiak.
Reed is making the transition to outside linebacker, although he plays as a rush end in passing situations.
Kubiak said Reed, a Sabino High graduate, also will be a big help on special teams.
Said Reed in the Houston Chronicle about his Saturday performance: “Besides those two plays, I feel like I could have done better. That’s what the preseason’s for. So far, it’s been a huge learning experience for me.”
Reed is listed second-string at strong-side linebacker. His former University of Arizona teammate, Earl Mitchell, is competing with Shaun Cody for the starting nose tackle position for the Texans.