The Houston Texans may have a lengthy injury report each week with a myriad of veterans listed as having limited participation, but it is actually all part of a plan orchestrated long before the season began.

“They all want to practice,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “There’s no doubt about it, but this is decided before the season even starts. These are off-season discussions as you get into this time of the season with veteran players. Guys that have played five years, six years, seven years, you have to start understanding as a coaching staff that maybe they need a day off here or there.”

According to the injury report, right guard Zach Fulton, left guard Senio Kelemete, cornerback Johnathan Joseph, defensive back Kareem Jackson, and receiver DeAndre Hopkins fit the bill as veterans of at least five seasons, and they have been limited in their participation at practice from time to time in 2018.

“What’s great about those guys is it is hard because they all want to be out there practicing, but in the end, they understand that what we’re doing is best for them and what’s best for the team,” said O’Brien.

The Texans have lost a total of 85 games on their roster from players who were on the active 53-man roster in Week 1. Last season, the Texans lost 107.3 adjusted games to injury. Improved health and managing veteran availability has been one of the components to the Texans’ 8-3 mark.