HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak says Derek Newton has won the starting job at right tackle, beating out Rashad Butler.
The 6-foot-6, 318-pound Newton was a seventh-round draft pick in 2011. Butler, entering his sixth season with Houston, was sidelined much of last season with a left triceps injury. Kubiak met with both players on Monday before announcing his decision.
The Texans (No. 4 in the AP Pro32) wrap up the preseason against Minnesota (No. 29) on Thursday night. Kubiak is still mulling whether to play backup quarterback T.J. Yates, who’s struggled in the last two exhibition games.
Kubiak also said nose tackle Shaun Cody (back) and defensive end J.J. Watt (dislocated left elbow) returned to practice on Monday.
