D.J. Reader's successful snag ends Texans' practice

Texans rookie lineman D.J. Reader caught a punt to end Wednesday's practice. Texans rookie lineman D.J. Reader caught a punt to end Wednesday's practice. Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Image 1 of / 20 Caption Close D.J. Reader's successful snag ends Texans' practice 1 / 20 Back to Gallery

When the players have practiced well, done what the coaches asked and are about to wilt in the heat and humidity, sometimes coach Bill O'Brien offers a challenge.

O'Brien selected rookie nose tackle D.J. Reader to give the players a chance to end practice 25 minutes early Wednesday. If Reader, 6-3, 335, caught the punt, practice ended early. If he dropped the ball, they had to finish practice.

Reader caught the punt, and his teammates erupted.

"I usually try to pick someone that I have confidence that they may catch it, but I know there's a chance they may drop it," O'Brien said. "He did a good job. He's had a good camp. He's a young player, so that's usually what I try to do there."

S/O to @raviddeader for catching that punt!!!! Camp is broken! — Cecil Shorts III (@CecilShortsIII) August 24, 2016

Obviously, O'Brien is comfortable with where the Texans are entering the third preseason game against Arizona to reward the players by allowing them to leave practice early.

"These guys really work hard," O'Brien said. "It's been a productive training camp. We've gotten a lot done. We've worked very hard against two teams (San Francisco and New Orleans).

"I'm not saying it's been perfect. We've got a long way to go, but it's about 115 heat index out here right now, and I think they were busting pretty good this morning. It was time to call it a day and reward them."