Progress has been steady for Texans Pro Bowl alternate left tackle Duane Brown in his ongoing rehabilitation from a torn quadriceps tendon that required surgery this winter to repair the damage.

The veteran blocker is optimistic that he'll make a healthy return for the Texans' regular-season opener.

Brown underwent surgery in January and was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

"I've been very fortunate that the surgery went well, and the rehab is going amazing," Brown said. "I'm really progressing rapidly. I still have a long way to go, but I'm on track for the first game."

The Texans re-signed offensive tackle Chris Clark to a two-year, $6 million contract as an insurance policy and swing tackle and they did monitor the tackle market, but are confident that Brown will make a complete comeback after getting hurt in the AFC South champions' regular-season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans may also draft an offensive tackle to plan ahead for the future.

A former first-round draft pick from Virginia Tech, Brown, 30, is entering his ninth NFL season and is due a $7 million base salary this season as part of a six-year, $53.4 million contract signed in 2012.

"I'm definitely doing great," Brown said. "Everything has been very positive."