The Sports Xchange

HOUSTON — David Quessenberry continues to inspire the Houston Texans.

The third-year offensive lineman has been an off-field presence during organized team activities and could compete for a roster spot this year, coach Bill O’Brien said.

Quessenberry battled and overcame cancer last season. The offensive line dedicated the 2014 season to their teammate, while a “Team DQ” movement became one of the centerpieces of the Texans’ resilient 9-7 year.

“I think it’s something that should be talked about even more,” O’Brien said. “I mean, think about what this guy has gone through just to even be here today. To even be here, playing on a pro football team, coming back from cancer, I think probably it’s a little bit better question for him. Not as a copout, but just more he’s a very bright guy. He knows his body really well. He knows where he’s at in his treatments. I have an idea of where he is at. I would say that this season is a possibility. I would not rule it out, but we haven’t come to that determination yet.”

Quessenberry has added about 20 pounds as he attempts to return to the field. He’s still below his playing weight of 306 pounds and hasn’t been medically cleared for football activities. But Quessenberry has been a constant factor at NRG Stadium and said it’s a matter of when, not if, he’ll take the field again.

“I feel really good, actually. It’s hard to put into words,” Quessenberry said. “I’m just out there running, working out, being in meetings and it’s been great to be around the guys.”

O’Brien expects wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to be ready for training camp. The third-year pro has participated in off-field conditioning during OTAs, but he hasn’t taken the field. The Texans were also without free-agent addition Cecil Shorts III and third-round pick Jaelen Strong. The rookie wideout is still dealing with an injury he suffered during the first OTA.

“I know that (Hopkins will) be out there at some point during training camp ready to go,” O’Brien said.