Brian Cushing back on the football field

For Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing, today marked the first time he's been back on the football field since being suspended. for violating the NFL steroid policy.

Cushing is out for the first four games, without pay, of the regular season.

He still lined up with the defensive starters today at an organized team activity.

"This is what I do," Cushing said. "This is what I'm going to be doing for a long time. Just to be out here running around with the guys, there's nothing better than this. My mind's just back on football, and it's a really good feeling."

Added Texans coach Gary Kubiak: "He's all business, as I expected him to be. I know it's been a rough week, but it's nice to see him get back on the field and back playing football."

Cushing said that he hasn't paid much attention to the negative reaction to his defiant stance at his press conference.

 “I really didn’t pay too much attention to the reaction or anything," Cushing said. "I felt that I got everything off my chest that I needed to and pretty much explained myself in every full detail, so I think that people can think what they want, but I think the truth is out there.”

When asked about the health issues he has raised along with his lawyer, Cushing said that's not a closed issue.

"Well, we’ll get it figured out," Cushing said. "That’s not a done case. We’ll keep moving forward and figure everything out.”

Meanwhile, Texans rookie running back Ben Tate was sidelined with a hamstring injury. He's a second-round pick from Auburn.

The Texans installed cornerback Kareem Jackson, the team's first-rounder from Alabama, as a starter.

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