Case Keenum's Role In Jeopardy?

When the Houston Texans took to the practice fields on Sunday, they did so with three quarterbacks dressed in red jerseys. As expected, C.J. Stroud took snaps under center with the first team, while Davis Mills had an efficient day running with the second unit.

But when it came time for the third team to take the field, they did so with newly acquired quarterback E.J. Perry. The Texans signed Perry ahead of Day 13 of training camp. And for the first time since re-joining the Texans as a free agent in March, Case Keenum was absent.

"We added E.J. because he was with us in the spring," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "We wanted to add another quarterback to help us out in training camp. That's why E.J. is here."  

Perry's signing was a surprise, especially given Keenum's performance during Thursday's preseason victory against the New England Patriots. He finished with 79 yards after going 9-for-14. Early in the fourth quarter, Keenum connected with wide receiver Alex Bachman for a five-yard touchdown.

Keenum is not in competition for the Texans' starting job. But as a 12-year veteran, he has been a mentor to Mills and Stroud to help with their ongoing development.

When Stroud threw an interception during his first career drive, Keenum spoke with the Ohio State prospect on the sideline to help him make adjustments. 

"We do every time we come off to the sideline," Keenum said. "We sit there and take a few moments to digest what happened and go look at the pictures and learn from it. And by that time, you don’t have much time, you have to go back out there and make a play on the next drive."

Ryans did not address Keenum's absence Sunday morning. But a source told Texans Daily that Keenum is dealing with an injury from the preseason opener against the Patriots. He did attend practice Saturday evening but was unable to finish.

Perry took three snaps with the third team during 11-on-11. An incompletion to tight end Jordan Murray marked Perry's lone pass attempt of the day. 

The defense's mentality doesn't change: The last seven days of training camp have been successful for Stroud. But Day 13 was subpar for the rookie quarterback due to the intensity of the defense. 

The defense went the entire practice executing hard hits and making plays on the ball. Jimmie Ward and Derek Stingley Jr. dropped an interception to add to the defense's takeaways during training camp. Ward almost finished the day with two interceptions. But he did force a fumble on Noah Brown, which was recovered by linebacker Christian Harris.   

The offense couldn't even get anything going in the run game, as Steven Nelson rocked Dameon Pierce for a loss of one during 11-on-11 play.

"The mentality of our defense is swarm, and that doesn't change," Ryans said. "We want to be attacking, playing aggressive defense. It's 11 guys flying around with their hair on fire and playing for each other.

"It is also a discipline brand of football. It is not everyone just running all over the place. It's about that puzzle coming together. all 11 pieces playing together and in sync."

QUICK HITS

• The Texans had their first skirmish of training camp. A cheap shot by Harris led to a pushing match with running back Devin Singletary.

• Along with Keenum, Kenyon Green was a non-participant at practice. Following the first set of 11-on-11, Hassam Ridgeway left practice early with an apparent arm injury.