Texans linebacker Christian Harris is recovering from a soft tissue leg injury that is not considered a long-term injury.

HOUSTON – Texans linebacker Christian Harris had a breakout season last year, excelling as an aggressive downhill force in run support while his pass coverage improved significantly.

Harris is not currently practicing as he recovers from a soft tissue leg injury that is not considered long-term, according to a league source, and he expects to be fully recovered before the season begins Sept. 8 against the Indianapolis Colts. He missed the first three practices of training camp but is expected to return relatively soon.

“We expect him back when he’s ready to play for us,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. “A lot of guys you’ll see here throughout the season just have different plans to get ready. Our goal is to play the first game and get healthy, so every guy has a personalized plan. So he’ll be ready when the time comes.”

Harris recorded a career-high 101 tackles last season and returned an interception for a touchdown in a playoff win over the Cleveland Browns.

“A lot of excitement, for sure,” Harris recently told KPRC 2 ahead of training camp. “I’m going into year three a little more comfortable, excited about the pieces we have on the team and the additions we have. A lot of guys have put in a lot of work. I’m just excited to get back and see where we’re at.”

Harris is coming off his best season in the NFL. He became the seventh player in NFL history to throw an interception for a touchdown and a sack in the same playoff game since retired Texans defensive end J.J. Watt did it against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012. Harris had eight tackles, including two for losses against the Browns. He had seven more tackles, including one for a loss, and repeatedly pressured Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson in an AFC Divisional playoff loss.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said “the sky’s the limit” for Harris, a former third-round draft pick out of Alabama who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds.

“Praise God,” Harris said. “Just stay true to your goal and keep working one day at a time. We’ll come to our senses at the end and see where we’re at.”

Harris and veteran linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, signed to a three-year, $33 million contract after previous stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans, could be a formidable tandem.

“My goodness, it’s crazy,” Harris said. “Honestly, we’ve got something in the works for sure. He’s been working every day. He’s a great vet for me, he gives me a lot of advice every day. I can’t wait to see what we can do.”

Harris led the AFC South champions in performance-based pay.

Harris will receive a $524,084 payment under the NFL’s annual performance-based compensation program, a collectively bargained benefit that compensates players based on playing time and salary levels.

Harris played 69.08 percent of the snaps.

Harris spent a lot of time this offseason working out with defensive backs coach Jacory Nichols, alongside Texans safety Calen Bullock and cornerback Kamari Lassiter and cornerbacks from around the NFL, including Buffalo Bills veteran Rasul Douglas.

“I’m trying to touch on everything, my mobility, keeping my cardio up and my footwork and everything,” Harris said. “I played corner in high school. It’s a good challenge for me, for sure, being here with these guys. I’m setting my sights higher.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texas and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com