Houston Texans will turn to rookie in secondary; D.J. Swearinger to start
Rookie D.J. Swearinger, a second-round pick will replace strong safety Danieal Manning, who’s undergoing knee surgery Friday after being placed on injured reserve. Swearinger has been playing a lot in the dime package and has made his presence felt.
“He plays fast, and he’s a quick learner,” defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said. “He makes mistakes, but he corrects them. He’s really gotten better and better. I think he’s ready to play.”
Swearinger is excited to start, the former South Carolina hard hitter cannot wait for his opportunity.
“It’s a dream come true, and it’s humbling,” Swearinger said. “I’m ready to get the job done. I feel ready. As a starter, you’ve got a huge responsibility. You’ve got to make plays. You’ve got to know what you’re doing, and you’ve got to get the job done. I’ve been preparing well, and I’m going to do that.”
I expect a huge boost out of Swearinger, who I had rated as my best safety last year. I love the kid, he plays at a very high level and has for a long time.
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