Brooks (ankle, probable) played in Houston's Week 4 loss to Atlanta.

The Texans' banged up offensive line got a lift with both Brooks and Duane Brown (thumb) getting back on the field.

Brooks (ankle) practiced Wednesday, the Texans' official site reports.

Brooks suffered an ankle injury during Sunday's win over the Buccaneers, but it was not considered serious. With both Brooks and Duane Brown (thumb) at practice, it looks like the Texans will could have a most of their starting offensive line available this week against the Falcons.

Texans head coach Bill O'Brien is optimistic that Brooks (ankle) will be able to play Week 4 against Atlanta, the Texans' official site reports.

Brooks had his ankle rolled up on during Houston's win over Tampa Bay in Week 3 and was unable to return.

Brooks left Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with an ankle injury and did not return, the Texans' official site reports.

Brooks becomes the third starter on the offensive line dealing with an injury -- Duane Brown (thumb) was inactive Sunday and Jeff Adams (knee) is out for the season. The reshuffled front line was still able to pave the way for the Texans' running backs, who rushed for 187 yards on the day.

Brooks dropped 12 pounds as a result of a stomach ailment, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brooks was back in the locker room Monday, telling reporters that he feels "much better." The ailment cropped up last Thursday on the day of the game against the Colts. Instead of playing that night, he watched from a hospital bed.

Brooks made his preseason debut Saturday night in Houston's win over Denver.

Brooks had been on the Active/Non-Football Injury list until this week. When healthy, Brooks will start at right guard for Houston.

Brooks participated in his first practice Tuesday after being removed from the Active/Non-Football Injury list, CSN Houston reports.

Brooks is expected to return to a role as the starting right guard.

Texans RG Brandon Brooks (toe) will return in Week 6 against the Rams.

It's a nice plus for Arian Foster, as Brooks is a 6-foot-5, 343-pound power run blocker. The Texans' offensive line is now back to full strength.

The Texans are getting back LT Duane Brown (turf toe) in Week 5 against the 49ers, but will be without RG Brandon Brooks (toe).

Toe injuries seems to be almost infectious on Houston's offensive line. Four games in, Brooks ranks 40th among 70 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus' guard ratings. PFF has graded Brooks far better in run than pass blocking.

Brandon Brooks has won the Texans' starting right guard job.

Brooks supplanted Ben Jones next to right tackle Derek Newton. Jones started ten games last season, splitting time with Antoine Caldwell, while Brooks played just 174 snaps as a third-round rookie. The main concern with Brooks is his weight. He was "pushing 350" last summer, but has slimmed down to 325 this year. Brooks needs to be able to move in the Texans' zone-blocking scheme.

Coach Gary Kubiak says Brandon Brooks has the edge for the Texans' starting right guard job.

"That's his," Kubiak said. "He's got to line up every day and earn it. I think he's earned the opportunity to be that guy, so we'll see if he can hang on." Last year's third-round pick played just 174 snaps on offense last season, and he's been battling weight issues since entering the league. Now that Antoine Caldwell is out of the picture, Brooks' main competition is Ben Jones.

Texans second-year OG Brandon Brooks has slimmed down to 325 pounds after weighing 355 last April.

The 76th overall pick in the 2012 draft, Brooks' rookie year was a disappointment as he battled weight problems and never cracked the starting lineup for a team that struggled at right guard. The Texans need offensive linemen to be in shape for their zone scheme. Brooks' 2013 role will be decided in camp.

Texans third-round OG Brandon Brooks reported to training camp in shape after showing up overweight to June minicamp.

"He's a totally different animal right now," said coach Gary Kubiak. Brooks was reportedly "pushing 350" in the spring, but he's trimmed down to 337. Brooks is back on track to give Antoine Caldwell a run to start at right guard.