HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 13: Head coach Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans walks the sidelines before playing against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter in a NFL game on September 13, 2015 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images) (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)

HOUSTON (CBS HOUSTON) – These are the news, notes, and quotes that you need to know from Bill O’Brien’s Monday press conference.

Pro Bowl Players Close to Returning

“I think we’re close,” Bill O’Brien said about the looming return of running back Arian Foster.

“He’s been out there the past couple of weeks of practice and it’s looked pretty good.”

He mentioned that with players like Foster they listen to the team doctor as well as Foster for how his body is feeling.

O’Brien also noted they aren’t worried about the short turnaround getting ready for the Colts on Thursday after the Sunday game with the Falcons. He said the team would be focused on doing what it takes to win in Atlanta but that as head coach he is keeping an eye on the big picture of the season.

Duane Brown is also “very close” to a return according to O’Brien.

Mallett’s Improvement

O’Brien listed plenty of things Ryan Mallett did well compared to his initial start this season.

“I thought he managed the game better. I think he got us into the right play better. I think his mechanics were better. He was tighter in the pocket. He was a bit more accurate.”

O’Brien praised the balance on offense helping Mallett play better. He also pointed out Mallett’s positive plays on third down, the Texans converted eight to the Buccaneers one, as something he did well.

To Kick or Not to Kick, That Was the Question

The Texans led by seven points late in the game Sunday against the Colts. The team opted to trust kicker Randy Bullock, who had already missed an extra point, instead of going for two and making it a two-possession lead.

O’Brien explained his decision making.

“I felt like at that time the defense was playing well. There was a conversation that we had and I made the decision to go for one right there because I think that was the way the game was going even though maybe the card said go for two.”

Here’s the Game Ball Blue

Alfred Blue got the game ball this morning for the offense. O’Brien said he encouraged Blue to thank the offensive linemen for his performance as well.

Blue’s rhythm kept him as the team’s primary ball carrier according to O’Brien, but he was happy with a few Chirs Polk carries and Jonathan Grimes’ contributions in the passing game.

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