Texans' Alfred Blue: Returns to practice Monday

Blue (shoulder) returned to practice Monday and is expected to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Cardinals.

Analysis:

Although he missed the first two preseason games, Blue was healthy for the first two weeks of training camp, getting plenty of reps along the way. While not much of a pass-catching threat, Blue is a clear favorite to serve as Lamar Miller's top backup for early downs. Jonathan Grimes handled a lot of the passing-down work last year, but he may need to fend off 2015 seventh-rounder Kenny Hilliard in a competition for a roster spot, as rookie fourth-rounder Tyler Ervin is a lock to make the team even if he doesn't earn much of a role.