THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON -- Texans defensive co-ordinator Wade Phillips is back on the practice field with his team, two weeks after undergoing kidney and gall bladder surgery.
Phillips, 64, went on medical leave on Dec. 14. Linebackers coach Reggie Herring ran the defence in his absence, and the Texans lost their next two games.
Phillips surprised his players when he showed up at a meeting on Monday. The Texans (10-5) returned to practice on Wednesday to prepare for the regular-season finale against Tennessee (8-7). Coach Gary Kubiak is hoping Phillips can work from the press box Sunday.
Houston's defence has made a dramatic turnaround from 2010 in Phillips' first season, ranking second overall (281 yards per game).
Phillips' father, Bum, the former coach of the Houston Oilers, watched Wednesday's practice from the sideline.
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