Andre Johnson Out For Week 17, Will Undergo Surgery And Likely Miss Pro Bowl

Per John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, Andre Johnson will miss this week’s game (no surprise) and will go in for arthroscopic surgery on his ailing left ankle. Johnson, the lone Texans super star, battled his high left ankle sprain for much of the season before finally pulling up on it the last two weeks as the Texans faded from the playoff picture. MRI’s revealed that the ankle had gotten worse between the games against the Eagles and Ravens.

Johnson finishes the year with 86 catches for 1215 yards in 13 games, to go along with eight touchdowns. His injury shouldn’t change any plans for next year.

Maurice Jones-Drew Out On Sunday, Andre Johnson Likely To Be Out As Well

The Texans and Jaguars will likely have a full-fledged preseason game on their hands Sunday. The Texans will likely be without their best offensive player, WR Andre Johnson, again as he rests his high ankle sprain. Gary Kubiak said that barring ‘drastic improvement’, Johnson will sit again. The Jaguars will be without QB David Garrard or RB Maurice Jones-Drew. Trent Edwards? Check. Rashad Jennings? Check. Jacoby Jones? Check. It’s beginning to look a lot like garbage time.

At least Arian Foster is active. Lets see if Kubiak figures out that he deserves the ball in both halves this time! Here’s the full list from Nick Scurfield.

Texans
Out
CB Sherrick McManis (hamstring/DNP)

Doubtful
TE Garrett Graham (hamstring/limited), WR Andre Johnson (ankle/DNP)

Questionable
DT Shaun Cody (knee/limited), DT Earl Mitchell (ankle/limited), SS Bernard Pollard (shoulder/limited)

Probable
G Antoine Caldwell (shoulder/full), LB Brian Cushing (knee, foot/limited), TE Owen Daniels (knee/full), K Neil Rackers (r. hamstring/DNP)

Jaguars

Out
LB Justin Durant (groin/DNP), RB Maurice Jones-Drew (knee/DNP), TE Zach Miller (concussion/DNP)

Questionable
S Courtney Greene (shoulder/limited)

Probable
FB Greg Jones (back/full), WR Mike Sims-Walker (ankle/full)

McManis Joins Sharpton On Texans Sidelines

No huge news today on the injury front. Sherrick McManis was officially moved from DNP to Out, and David Garrard officially had surgery on his finger that will keep him out for the finale. Linebacker Isiah Greenhouse was signed to the active Texans roster, and he’ll most likely be a boon on special teams with Xavier Adibi taking Darryl Sharpton’s snaps.

Maurice Jones-Drew and Andre Johnson were both DNP’s again, and their status for Sunday’s game continues to be in question. More on them as we get it. For now, here is Nick Scurfield’s full report for both teams:

Out
CB Sherrick McManis (hamstring)

Did Not Participate in Practice
WR Andre Johnson (ankle), K Neil Rackers (r. hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
DT Shaun Cody (knee), LB Brian Cushing (knee, foot), TE Garrett Graham (hamstring), DT Earl Mitchell (ankle), SS Bernard Pollard (shoulder)

Full Participation in Practice
G Antoine Caldwell (shoulder), TE Owen Daniels (knee)

Jaguars

Out
QB David Garrard (r. finger)

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Justin Durant (groin), S Courtney Greene (shoulder), RB Maurice Jones-Drew (knee), TE Zach Miller (concussion)

Limited Participation in Practice
FB Greg Jones (back), WR Mike Sims-Walker (ankle)

Garrard Out For Jaguars, Sharpton IR'ed

According to Tania Ganguli of the Florida-Times Union, Jaguars quarterback David Garrard will miss the season finale against the Texans to have surgery on his right middle finger. He originally injured the finger against the Colts. This will put Trent Edwards into the starting lineup in Week 17 for the Jaguars, and we’ll get to see if he pulls a Tim Tebow or a Rusty Smith against the pathetic Texans defense.

The Texans officially placed linebacker Darryl Sharpton on IR, which will open up a roster spot for the finale. He may need surgery on his shoulder, as previously reported on Monday. The full injury report, via Nick Scurfield, is below:

Texans

Out
LB Darryl Sharpton (shoulder – placed on IR)

Did Not Participate in Practice
DT Shaun Cody (knee), TE Owen Daniels (knee), TE Garrett Graham (hamstring), WR Andre Johnson (ankle), CB Sherrick McManis (hamstring), DT Earl Mitchell (ankle), K Neil Rackers (r. hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Brian Cushing (knee, foot), SS Bernard Pollard (shoulder)

Full Participation in Practice
G Antoine Caldwell (shoulder)

Jaguars

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Justin Durant (groin), QB David Garrard (r. finger), RB Maurice Jones-Drew (knee), WR Mike Sims-Walker (ankle)

Limited Participation in Practice
S Courtney Greene (shoulder), FB Greg Jones (back)

CB Sherrick McManis will also likely be out, as Kubiak has already marked him as someone who probably will miss the finale. The Jaguars do still have a chance at the playoffs if they win this game, but they may be too banged up to take advantage of it.

Texans Rookie LB Darryl Sharpton Out For Season Finale

During his weekly press conference, Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said that rookie linebacker Darryl Sharpton will miss the season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars and may need surgery on his shoulder.

Sharpton played the entire second half with the injury, but it wasn’t said exactly what sort of injury it was. Battle Red Blog and SB Nation Houston will have more on as the story develops.

Andre Johnson Inactive Against Broncos

According to the official Houston Texans Twitter, WR Andre Johnson will be inactive today against the Broncos.

It’s the smart move, the Texans have nothing to play for today. Instead, Jacoby Jones will draw the start for the Texans. If he happens to catch some balls, he could be a good last-second replacement for you Andre Johnson owners. But that’s not usually something we Texans fans rely on. Look elsewhere for your upgrade.

The Texans had nothing to play for today, and nothing to gain but personal achievements statistically by playing Andre Johnson. As we first reported on Wednesday, the last time Johnson was a game time decision, he did not play against the Raiders in Week 4. Kudos to Gary Kubiak for not gambling his star receiver to try and better his chances of keeping his job.

EDIT: Full list of Texans inactives, also per the official Houston Texans Twitter:

QB Matt Leinart (3rd QB)
WR Andre Johnson
TE Anthony Hill
TE Garrett Graham
OL Shelley Smith
DL Jarvis Green
DL DeMario Pressley 
CB Brice McCain

EDIT 2: Full list of Broncos inactives, per Nick Scurfield: 

QB Kyle Orton (3rd QB)
RB Laurence Maroney
WR DeMaryius Thomas
OL Jeff Byers
OL Stanley Daniels
OL Eric Olsen
CB Chevis Jackson
S Darcel McBath

Andre Johnson Update: Early Signs Point Towards Johnson Not Playing

- ESPN’s Mark Schlereth has tweeted that he’s been told that Andre Johnson will not play. Normally I wouldn’t consider Schlereth an informed source for this sort of thing, but he does have his connections in Denver. Take it less importantly than you would take an Adam Schefter or Chris Mortensen tweet, but it looks bad.

- Sports Radio 610’s Director, Robert Henslee, reports that Andre Johnson is not on the field for pre-game warmups. While this isn’t the end all/be all, it’s a pretty big sign that Andre Johnson will not be in the lineup today.

Do keep checking back, but I think the early consensus is that Andre Johnson will sit today. Get him out of your fantasy lineups.

Week 16 Texans-Broncos Injury Report: Johnson Questionable, Graham Out Again

As previously reported, the big story this week for the Texans will be whether Andre Johnson laces them up despite crippling pain and a team that is going nowhere around him. I’ll bet on “no” myself, given that Kubiak held him out against the Oakland Raiders earlier this year and that game actually was important to the team.

The Texans will be without rookie tight end Garrett Graham for the third straight game, but as Owen Daniels appears to be healthy, that doesn’t really matter. The Broncos have a slew of questionable players, including safety Brian Dawkins, RB Knowshon Moreno, and QB Kyle Orton, who will be on the bench either way as the team tries to see what it has with Tim Tebow.

The complete injury report, courtesy of Mac’s Football Blog, is below:

Houston

Out: TE Garrett Graham (hamstring)

Questionable: WR Andre Johnson (ankle)

Probable: DE Mark Anderson (knee), T Duane Brown (shoulder), LB Brian Cushing (knee, ankle, foot), RB Arian Foster (hip), DT Damione Lewis (illness), K Neil Rackers (right hamstring), QB Matt Schaub (right elbow)

Denver

Questionable: S David Bruton (ribs), S Brian Dawkins (knee), S Darcel McBath (quadricep), RB Knowshon Moreno (ribs), QB Kyle Orton (ribs), WR Demaryius Thomas (ankle)

Probable: TE Daniel Coats (finger), WR Eddie Royal (back)

Andre Johnson's Ankle Damaged Further, He Still Wants To Play

I had a feeling it was bad news from the start for Andre Johnson after Gary Kubiak declared that he’d be a game-time decision on Wednesday. As a reminder, the last time that Andre was declared a game-time decision, he wound up sitting against the Oakland Raiders in Week 4.

Now it comes out today that the ankle is not the same situation that Johnson has been dealing with recently and it’s actually giving him quite a lot of pain: An MRI revealed that there was, indeed, further damage to his right ankle:

“I had the high-ankle sprain and I was working on the front part of my ankle, and I got caught when I was down on the ground and got tackled in the Baltimore game (Dec. 13),” he said. “My joint kind of got jammed up a little bit, and it’s affecting me in the back now, kind of like around the Achilles area. When I run now, I kind of feel more pain than I was feeling before. In the MRI, it just showed that.

“We didn’t think that it could get any worse, and it’s gotten worse. Like I said, I’m just trying to do everything I can to make sure I can play on Sunday.”

Fantasy football owners, who should have already been on alert after the game-time decision quote, now ought to be alarmed. The Texans have absolutely nothing to play for and there is little reason to start Andre Johnson against a 3-11 team on the road.

Furthermore, the Texans shouldn’t let Johnson play. This game means nothing to them in the long run, and while it’s admirable that he wants to continue playing, he shouldn’t be risking further damage for this sorry defense. Kubiak can gain a bit of goodwill from me, if not the fanbase, by sitting Andre for the last two games of the season. It’s just not worth it.

Week 16 Texans-Broncos Injury Report: Andre Johnson Accumulates Another DNP

Not much news on any front here, particularly with Christmas approaching. Just a reminder: the last time Andre Johnson was said to be a ‘game time’ decision, he did NOT end up playing. Do not assume that he’s suiting up just because Gary Kubiak backed off and said that he was in a similar situation in past weeks. Everyone got burned in Week 4 and it could happen again here if you aren’t careful. Have a fantasy backup plan in place if Johnson is a linchpin for you.

The full thing, via Nick Scurfield, as always:

Texans

Did Not Participate in Practice
TE Garrett Graham (hamstring), WR Andre Johnson (ankle), K Neil Rackers (r. hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Brian Cushing (knee/ankle/foot)

Full Participation in Practice
DE Mark Anderson (knee), T Duane Brown (shoulder), RB Arian Foster (hip), QB Matt Schaub (r. elbow)

Broncos

Did Not Participate in Practice
P Matt Prater (r. groin), DT Jamal Williams (non-injury)

Limited Participation in Practice
S David Bruton (ribs), S Brian Dawkins (knee), S Darcel McBath (quad), RB Knowshon Moreno (ribs), QB Kyle Orton (ribs), WR Demaryius Thomas (ankle)

Full Participation in Practice
TE Daniel Coats (finger), WR Eddie Royal (lower back)

Week 16 Texans-Broncos Injury Report: Andre Johnson A 'Game-Time' Decision

The one Texans star that everyone was worried about coming into the week was Arian Foster, but it turns out that the leading AFC votegetter for the Pro Bowl at running back is just fine. He practiced in full and coach Gary Kubiak strongly implied that he’d be on the field on Sunday.

Who might not be? How about wide receiver Andre Johnson. He didn’t practice, and Kubiak called him a ‘game time decision’ according to Nick Scurfield. While benching Johnson would hurt his milestone numbers, his ankle has been bothering him all season long and that might be reason enough to sit him in a couple of games with no playoff implications. Remember the last time that Kubiak made a game-time decision note on Johnson, Week 4 in Oakland, he didn’t play.

Here’s the full report, again thanks to Scurfield:

Texans

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Brian Cushing (knee/ankle/foot), TE Garrett Graham (hamstring), WR Andre Johnson (ankle), K Neil Rackers (r. hamstring)

Full Participation in Practice
T Duane Brown (shoulder), RB Arian Foster (hip), QB Matt Schaub (r. elbow)

Broncos

Did Not Participate in Practice
RB Knowshon Moreno (ribs), P Matt Prater (r. groin)

Limited Participation in Practice
S David Bruton (ribs), S Brian Dawkins (knee), S Darcel McBath (quad), QB Kyle Orton (ribs), WR Demaryius Thomas (ankle)

Full Participation in Practice
TE Daniel Coats (finger), WR Eddie Royal (lower back)

Week 15 Texans-Titans Inactives: Bo Scaife Inactive For Titans

Texans inactives, per the Houston Texans official twitter:

QB Matt Leinart (3rd QB)
WR Derrick Townsel
TE Anthony Hill
TE Garrett Graham
OL Shelley Smith
DL Jarvis Green
CB Brice McCain
SS Quintin Demps

No surprises here, Graham is the lone player out by injury. Everyone else is either bad or not up to speed yet.

Titans inactive list up as we get it.

EDIT: Full Titans list, per Nick Scurfield

QB Rusty Smith (3rd QB)
WR Lavelle Hawkins
TE Bo Scaife
OT David Stewart
DT Sen'Derrick Marks
LB David Thornton
S Vincent Fuller
S Robert Johnson

Looks like the Titans have gone into full-fledged youth mode by leaving Scaife inactive in favor of Jared Cook, who could have a big game if Zac Diles is in usual form. With both Eugene Amano and David Stewart inactive, the Titans offensive line could have some big problems holding up in both the run game and the pass game.

Week 15 Texans Injury Report: Foster And Johnson Probable

The Texans have 13 players on the injury report this week, however, 12 of them are probable. Rather than run down the whole list, let's just go with people you care about. Arian Foster: probable. Andre Johnson: probable. Matt Schaub: probable. Brian Cushing: probable. The lone player declared out was tight end Garrett Graham, who continues to be hampered by his hamstring injury.

The Titans placed the two players who were most likely to be out, Ryan Mouton and Dave Ball, on injured reserve today. That leaves their list a little shorter too, although they actually have three questionable players: Jovan Haye, Sen’Derrick Marks, and Donnie Nickey. If Haye and Marks can’t play, the Tennessee defensive line rotation will be a lot lighter this week, possibly leading to some overtiring.

Here’s the whole list, courtesy of Nick Scurfield:

Texans

Out
TE Garrett Graham (hamstring/DNP)

Probable
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring/full), LB Brian Cushing (knee, finger, neck/limited), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring/full), TE Joel Dreessen (hand/full), RB Arian Foster (hip/limited), WR Andre Johnson (ankle/limited), CB Glover Quin (hand/full), K Neil Rackers (r. hamstring/limited), QB Matt Schaub (l. arm/full), LB Darryl Sharpton (neck/full), WR Kevin Walter (knee/full), T Eric Winston (shoulder/full)

Titans

Questionable
DT Jovan Haye (concussion/full), DT Sen’Derrick Marks (ankle/limited), S Donnie Nickey (back/limited)

Week 15 Texans Injury Report: Foster Added With Hip

Injuries continue to be a major theme for the Texans this season, as now despite having 10+ players on IR, their injury report continues to take up a lot more real estate then the opponent they’re playing.

The newest addition is Arian Foster, who was put on the report with a hip. Because it was put out so late, reporters didn’t get a chance to ask questions about this, so look for more clarification on that and Joel Dreessen’s addition as well on Friday.

Brian Cushing also went from being limited on Wednesday to not participating on Thursday. He has quite a record of playing through the pain as well, but it’s unknown at this point if he will go on Sunday. If the decision is close, look for the Texans to lean towards the side of caution since they are practically eliminated from the AFC playoff chase at this point.

The whole list, via Nick Scurfield.

Texans

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Brian Cushing (knee/finger/neck), TE Garrett Graham (hamstring), K Neil Rackers (r. hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
RB Arian Foster (hip), WR Andre Johnson (ankle)

Full Participation in Practice
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), TE Joel Dreessen (hand), CB Glover Quin (hand), QB Matt Schaub (l. arm), LB Darryl Sharpton (neck), WR Kevin Walter (knee), T Eric Winston (shoulder)

Titans

Did Not Participate in Practice
DE Dave Ball (hip/concussion), CB Ryan Mouton (hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
DT Sen’Derrick Marks (ankle)

Full Participation in Practice
DT Jovan Haye (concussion)

Week 15 Texans Injury Report: Oh Right, That Thing

The Texans placed WR David Anderson, G Mike Brisiel and DE Mario Williams on IR today, basically ending any realistic hope of them pulling off the miracle comeback they’d need to hit 8-8 and have the Colts and Jaguars losses align. The Titans IR’ed DT Tony Brown as well. In spite of all this, there was still an injury report for some reason. Here, yanked as usual from Nick Scurfield, is that:

Texans

Did Not Participate in Practice
TE Garrett Graham (hamstring), K Neil Rackers (r. hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Brian Cushing (knee/finger/neck), WR Andre Johnson (ankle), LB Darryl Sharpton (neck)

Full Participation in Practice
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), CB Glover Quin (hand), QB Matt Schaub (l. arm), WR Kevin Walter (knee), T Eric Winston (shoulder)

Titans

Did Not Participate in Practice
DE Dave Ball (hip/concussion), DT Jovan Haye (concussion), CB Ryan Mouton (hamstring)

Full Participation in Practice
DT Sen’Derrick Marks (ankle)

The only new name on this report from the Texans side is Neil Rackers. It’ll be interesting to hear the story on how that happened tomorrow. Maybe he over extended himself trying to hit that 52-yarder?

Texans Place Mario Williams, David Anderson, and Mike Brisiel On Injured Reserve

Per John McClain, the Houston Texans have placed DE Mario Williams (sports hernia), WR David Anderson (shoulder), and OG Mike Brisiel (shoulder) on injured reserve – ending their season.

As speculated earlier, Williams was expected, but Anderson and Brisiel open up roster spots for Jarvis Green and DeMario Pressley. No word yet on the 53rd man.

The person who could most benefit from this move is WR Dorin Dickerson as he moves up the depth chart and could see time as a receiver in place of Anderson.

EDIT: In addition to DL Jarvis Green being signed earlier today, the Texans have signed WR Derrick Townsel from their practice squad. Because of the two vacancies left by Townsel and the defection of DT Malcolm Sheppard, the Texans also signed C Brett Helms and WR Montez Billings to the practice squad. 

SB Nation Houston and Battle Red Blog will have more on the story as it develops.

Texans Sign Ex-Bronco DE Jarvis Green

According to Pro Football Weekly, the Houston Texans have signed formed Denver Broncos defensive end Jarvis Green.

The speculation amongst the Internet is that this may signal a move to injured reserve for DE Mario Williams who is suffering from a sports hernia.

Green 31, was released from the Broncos in September after signing a four-year extension in the offseason. Chalk it up to another brilliant Josh McDaniels move. Green also played in New England where he had a career-high 7.5 sacks in 2006.

For Green to join the roster officially, the Texans do need to make a roster move of some sort so be sure to check back with SB Nation Houston and Battle Red Blog for more as the story develops.

EDIT: Name correction, I meant to type Jarvis Green not Jarvis Moss. Apologies for the error.

Texans Sign DT DeMario Pressley, Lose DT Malcolm Sheppard

Not really an injury per se, but the Tennessee Titans signed Texans DT Malcolm Sheppard off the Houston practice squad.

The Texans signed former Saints DT DeMario Pressley to the active roster. The former North Carolina State defensive tackle was a fifth round pick in 2008. He spent his rookie year on injured reserve and played in seven games during New Orleans’ Super Bowl run.

No word yet on who lost their spot on the 53-man roster to make room for Pressley.

Monday Night Football Inactives: Texans-Ravens

Monday Night Football inactives per Paul Kuharsky, ESPN AFC South Blogger:

Texans
QB Matt Leinart (3rd QB)
WR Dorin Dickerson
TE Anthony Hill
TE Garrett Graham
OG Shelley Smith
OG Kasey Studdard
CB Brice McCain
S Quintin Demps

No surprises here. Owen Daniels will play, but won’t start for the Texans this week.

Ravens
FB Jason McKie
TE Todd Heap
OL Bryan Mattison
DT Arthur Jones
DT Lamar Divens
LB Dannell Ellerbee
LB Jason Phillips
CB Fabian Washington

With Washington out, the Ravens will have to use Josh Wilson more. Ed Dickson will start at tight end for Heap.

Week 14 Texans Injury Report: Heap Officially Out

TE Todd Heap has been officially declared out for the Ravens. Ed Dickson will get the start in his place and be quite a fantasy sleeper should he see a lot of Zac Diles this week.

The only other player in question is CB Fabian Washington on the Ravens side. If he can’t go, Josh Wilson and LaDarius Webb will probably be the pairing that Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter see Monday. The Texans already ruled TE Garrett Graham out, and everyone else on their injury report is probable.

The full thing, from Nick Scurfield:

Texans
Out
TE Garrett Graham (hamstring/DNP)

Probable
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring/full), G Mike Brisiel (shoulder/full), LB Brian Cushing (knee/limited), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring/full), TE Joel Dreessen (ribs/full), WR Andre Johnson (ankle/limited), CB Glover Quin (hand/full), QB Matt Schaub (knee/full), DE Mario Williams (groin/limited), T Eric Winston (shoulder/full)

Ravens
Out
TE Todd Heap (thigh/DNP)

Questionable
CB Fabian Washington (thigh/DNP)

Probable
FB Le’Ron McClain (ankle/full), CB Lardarius Webb (thigh/full), S Tom Zbikowski (foot/full)

Week 14 Texans Injury Report: Graham Ruled Out

Things continue to be bland and unsurprising on the injury report this week. Fabian Washington moved from limited to DNP and LaDarius Webb went to limited for the Ravens, which gives the Texans some hope as far as throwing on them.

For the Texans, nothing changed except the slight moves: Andre Johnson and Mario Williams went from DNP to limited, as is their usual schedule. Garrett Graham was officially ruled out, but Owen Daniels looks likely to play, so that shouldn’t be a big deal.

The full report, via Scurfield, is listed below:

Texans

Out
TE Garrett Graham (hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
WR Andre Johnson (ankle), DE Mario Williams (groin)

Full Participation in Practice
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), G Mike Brisiel (shoulder), LB Brian Cushing (knee), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), TE Joel Dreessen (ribs), CB Glover Quin (hand), QB Matt Schaub (knee), T Eric Winston (shoulder)

Ravens

Did Not Participate in Practice
TE Todd Heap (thigh), CB Fabian Washington (thigh)

Limited Participation in Practice
CB Lardarius Webb (thigh)

Full Participation in Practice
FB Le’Ron McClain (ankle)

Week 14 Texans Injury Report: Heap And Graham Don't Participate

Not many surprises at all when it comes to this week’s Texans-Ravens injury report. The Texans are short Andre Johnson and Mario Williams, but they’re obviously expected to participate in the game. This is just their normal schedule.

Rookie TE Garrett Graham sprained his hamstring, according to Kubiak earlier today, and he’s in real danger of missing the game. Since Owen Daniels is purportedly healthy, that shouldn’t change anything the Texans do. Todd Heap is hurt for the Ravens, and if he can’t go, Ed Dickson would probably get the call as their starting tight end.

Full report via Brian McIntyre of Mac’s Football Blog, because Scurfield was slow getting it up today.

Baltimore

Did not participate: TE Todd Heap (hamstring)
Limited participation: CB Fabian Washington (knee)
Full participation: FB Le’Ron McClain (ankle)

Houston

Did not participate: TE Garrett Graham (hamstring), WR Andre Johnson (ankle), DE Mario Williams (groin)
Full participation: LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), G Mike Brisiel (shoulder), LB Brian Cushing (knee), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), TE Joel Dreessen (ribs), CB Glover Quin (hand), QB Matt Schaub (knee), T Eric Winston (shoulder)

Texans Sign S Quintin Demps, IR DE Jesse Nading

The Texans signed safety Quintin Demps, who had been working with the UFL's Hartford Colonials, and placed defensive end Jesse Nading on IR, according to Nick Scurfield of HoustonTexans.com. Scurfield also noted that the club brought back DT Malcolm Sheppard to the active roster from the practice squad.

Demps, 25, had played for the Eagles the last two seasons. He bumps the number of safeties on the Texans roster from 3 to 4. He'd lost his job in 2009 to Macho Harris. All of those things make him every bit the reclamation project that every other Texans safety in franchise history has been.

Week 14 Texans Injury Report: Daniels Returns To Practice, Is 'Day-To-Day'

Texans tight end Owen Daniels finally returned to practice Monday according to Nick Scurfield of HoustonTexans.com. Head coach Gary Kubiak described him as being “day-to-day,” but said he’s hoping that Daniels can play on Monday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Of course, he was hopeful that Daniels could play against Philadelphia too, but at least he’s practicing now.

Many Texans missed Monday’s practice, but the game is so far away that it was mostly for precautionary reasons. Those players, also via Scurfield, include Andre Johnson, Eric Winston, Mike Brisiel, and Mario Williams.

The Texans will resume their normal routine on Thursday.

For more Texans news, head on over to Battle Red Blog.

Thursday Night Football Inactives: Asante Samuel Out For Eagles

The Texans caught a huge break today with cornerback Asante Samuel again being inactive for the Eagles. Jay Cutler carved up the Eagles secondary last Sunday without Samuel. and every break for the Texans is a big one since they basically need to win out to make the playoffs.

The Eagles inactives are listed below:
WR Riley Cooper
CB Asante Samuel
CB Brandon Hughes
T Austin Howard
DE Juqua Parker
G Reggie Wells
TE Garrett Mills
QB Mike Kafka (3rd QB)

Texans inactives as they come in, but TE Owen Daniels and LB Xavier Adibi have already been declared out.

EDIT: Texans inactives are in below.
QB Matt Leinart (3rd QB)
WR Dorin Dickerson
LB Xavier Adibi
G Kasey Studdard
DE Jesse Nading
TE Owen Daniels
TE Anthony Hill
G Shelley Smith

Week 13 Texans Injury Report: Owen Daniels Out Again, Possible Receiver Concerns?

The "big" injury news is that the Texans placed back-up safety Torri Williams on injured reserve and signed rookie guard Shelley Smith from the practice squad.

Earlier this week, Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said Steve Slaton would be returning kicks on Thursday. With two receivers listed as questionable, one can assume that it's because the team needs Jacoby Jones to focus more on his receiver roles. There's also a possibility that Dorin Dickerson could get offensive snaps with Houston being thin at wide receiver. It may also explain why Anthony Hill was activated.

Per the always reliable Nick Scurfield, here's the entire injury report for Thursday's game.

Texans

Out
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring/DNP), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring/DNP)

Doubtful
None

Questionable
WR David Anderson (hamstring/limited), DE Jesse Nading (knee/DNP), WR Kevin Walter (calf/limited)

Probable
LB Kevin Bentley (knee, shoulder/full), LB Brian Cushing (knee/limited), TE Joel Dreessen (knee/full), WR Jacoby Jones (illness/full), CB Glover Quin (hand/full), QB Matt Schaub (knee/full), T Eric Winston (shoulder/full)

Eagles

Out
DE Juqua Parker (hip/DNP)

Doubtful
None

Questionable
WR Riley Cooper (knee/DNP), CB Asante Samuel (knee/limited)

Probable
CB Jorrick Calvin (back/full), G Nick Cole (knee/full), CB Trevard Lindley (knee/full), RB LeSean McCoy (shoulder/full)

Again, if you're a Texans fan then hope Samuel can't go on Thursday night as the Eagles pass defense takes a significant dip without him.

Week 13 Texans Injury Report: Anthony Hill Off PUP, Owen Daniels Is '50-50'

One nugget before we get to the actual injury report: the Texans activated afterthought tight end Anthony Hill from the PUP list earlier today, waiving DT Malcolm Sheppard to make room for him. Sheppard made a habit of joining the inactives and will probably make his way back to the practice squad to check out the spot vacated by Amon Gordon within a few days of his signing.

The actual injury report is pretty unsurprising. It should be noted that Gary Kubiak thinks that Owen Daniels is 50-50 to play in this game and should be ready for the week after. My cynical mind, when it comes to the Texans and how they underreport their injuries, leads me to see that as “he’s not playing this week and is going to be questionable next week.”

Here’s the whole dang thang, via Scurfield as usual:

Texans

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), DE Jesse Nading (knee), S Torri Williams (hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
WR David Anderson (hamstring), LB Brian Cushing (knee), WR Kevin Walter (calf), DE Mario Williams (groin)

Full Participation in Practice
LB Kevin Bentley (knee, shoulder), TE Joel Dreessen (knee), WR Jacoby Jones (illness), CB Glover Quin (hand), QB Matt Schaub (knee), T Eric Winston (shoulder).

Eagles

Did Not Participate in Practice
WR Riley Cooper (knee), DE Juqua Parker (hip)

Limited Participation in Practice
CB Asante Samuel (knee)

Full Participation in Practice
K David Akers (r. hamstring), CB Jorrick Calvin (back), G Nick Cole (knee), CB Trevard Lindley (knee), RB LeSean McCoy (shoulder)

The Eagles pass defense has really tanked in the last few games without Samuel, so you’ll want to be rooting for him to be held out if you think the Texans have a legitimate playoff shot.

Week 13 Texans Injury Report: Estimated Players Time

Because the Texans aren’t practicing until later tonight, and they still have to send in an injury report to the NFL, they have carefully estimated who is likely and not likely to practice. So instead of an actual practice injury report, we have the estimated report via Nick Scurfield. Nobody too surprising on here, although Walter being estimated out might be worth an eyebrow raise.

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), WR David Anderson (hamstring), LB Brian Cushing (knee), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), WR Kevin Walter (calf), DE Mario Williams (groin), S Torri Williams (hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Kevin Bentley (knee), TE Joel Dreessen (knee), DE Jesse Nading (knee), T Eric Winston (shoulder)

Full Participation in Practice
CB Glover Quin (hand), QB Matt Schaub (knee)

They would’ve listed Andre Johnson, but (whipping Cortland Finnegan’s scummy butt) doesn’t fit the NFL’s standard injury report criteria.

EDIT: Brian McIntyre of Mac's Football Blog has the Eagles Monday list: 

Did not participate:
WR Riley Cooper (knee), DE Juqua Parker (hip)

Limited participation:
CB Asante Samuel (knee)

Full participation:
K David Akers (right hamstring), CB Jorrick Calvin (back), G Nick Cole (knee), CB Trevard Lindley (knee), RB LeSean McCoy (shoulder)

Week 12 Texans Injury Report: Daniels Out Again, Sharpton To Start

The big news out of Friday's practice is that rookie Darryl Sharpton will get the start at weakside linebacker - despite Zac Diles being healthy and practicing. Last week, Diles missed the game for a presumed illness, but it turns out that the health scare was an irregular heartbeat. Diles will see some playing time, according to Kubiak, but Sharpton's starting at weakside linebacker after a solid performance last week.

Here's the rest of the injury report from Nick Scurfield. TE Owen Daniels will miss Sunday's game, but there's hope that he plays on Thursday. Joel Dreeseen, coming off a career day, will start again for the Texans.

Here’s the Friday injury report for the Texans and Tennessee Titans:

Texans

Out
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring/DNP), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring/DNP), DE Jesse Nading (knee/DNP)

Doubtful
None

Questionable
WR David Anderson (hamstring/limited), DT Shaun Cody (illness/limited)

Probable
LB Kevin Bentley (knee, shoulder/full), LB Brian Cushing (knee/limited), Zac Diles (illness/full), WR Andre Johnson (ankle/full), CB Glover Quin (hand/full), QB Matt Schaub (knee/full), LS Jon Weeks (knee/full), DE Mario Williams (groin/limited)

Notes: Texans coach Gary Kubiak said that the team is "hoping maybe there’s still a chance" for Daniels to play next Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Titans

Out
WR Kenny Britt (hamstring/DNP)

Doubtful
DE Dave Ball (concussion/DNP)

Questionable
DT Tony Brown (knee/DNP), QB Kerry Collins (calf/DNP), DT Jason Jones (knee/DNP), TE Craig Stevens (knee/limited)

Probable
K Rob Bironas (rt. groin/DNP)

Notes: Ball has seven of the Titans’ 30 sacks this season, ranking second on the team.

Week 12 Texans Injury Report: Cushing Held Out With Knee

Texans linebacker Brian Cushing was held out due to a sore knee today. Although Gary Kubiak did say that part of the reasoning behind that was the very early start the Texans had today for Thanksgiving, he also wasn’t sure whether or not he’d practice tomorrow. Combine that with the Texans being harder to get injury news off of then the Patriots and I think there’s a little reason to be worried here, although I’m not in panic mode yet.

Here’s the rest of the list, according to Nick Scurfield:

Texans

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), DT Shaun Cody (illness), LB Brian Cushing (knee), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), DE Jesse Nading (knee)

Limited Participation in Practice
WR David Anderson (hamstring), DE Mario Williams (groin)

Full Participation in Practice
LB Kevin Bentley (shoulder, knee), LB Zac Diles (illness), WR Andre Johnson (ankle), CB Glover Quin (hand), QB Matt Schaub (knee), LS Jon Weeks (knee)

Titans

Did Not Participate in Practice
DE Dave Ball (concussion), K Rob Bironas (rt. groin), WR Kenny Britt (hamstring), DT Tony Brown (knee), QB Kerry Collins (calf), DT Jason Jones (knee)

Limited Participation in Practice
TE Craig Stevens (knee)

The biggest news on the Tennessee sideline would be the absence of Jason Jones and Tony Brown, who have both been really good for them this year. If they can’t go, Arian Foster is going to have much better fortune in the run game, assuming Kubiak actually calls on him to tote the rock.

Week 12 Houston Texans Injury Report: Mario Gets A Rest, Andre Practices On Wednesday

Reliable as always, Nick Scurfield has updates on the injury reports for both Houston and Tennessee after their Wednesday practices.

Texans

Out

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), DE Jesse Nading (knee), DE Mario Williams (groin)

Limited Participation in Practice

Full Participation in Practice
LB Kevin Bentley (shoulder, knee), LB Zac Diles (illness), WR Andre Johnson (ankle), C Chris Myers (shoulder), CB Glover Quin (hand), LS Jon Weeks (knee)

Notes: Texans coach Gary Kubiak said after practice that Williams will play on Sunday. Kubiak said that Daniels is day-to-day again this week. This was Johnson’s first Wednesday practice in quite some time, and he said afterward that “there’s been a lot of progress made” with his sprained right ankle.

Titans

Out

Did Not Participate in Practice
DE Dave Ball (concussion), K Rob Bironas (rt. groin), WR Kenny Britt (hamstring), DT Tony Brown (knee), QB Kerry Collins (calf), DT Jason Jones (knee), TE Craig Stevens (knee)

Limited Participation in Practice

Full Participation in Practice

After practice, head coach Gary Kubiak said that it was a normal day off for Mario. If you pay attention to injury reports, Williams has always been on them so that shouldn't be a cause for concern. Outside of that, the Texans are relatively healthy, so there's a silver lining as we head towards Sunday's division match-up.

Week 11 Texans Inactives: Dorin Dickerson A Surprise Guest

According to the Texans' official Twitter, here are the inactives for today’s game:

QB Matt Leinart (3rd QB)
WR Dorin Dickerson
TE Owen Daniels
OL Kasey Studdard
DE Jesse Nading
DT Malcolm Sheppard
LB Zac Diles
S Torri Williams

The Jets inactives, taken from Drew Dougherty. .

CB Dwight Lowery
CB Marquice Cole
LB Josh Mauga
OL Vladimir Ducasse
TE Jeff Cumberland
WR Jerricho Cotchery
DT Marcus Dixon
QB Kellen Clemens (3rd QB)

Not many surprises here. Darryl Sharpton will start for Diles. Dorin Dickerson is a surprise inactive. Jason Allen will see his first action this year.

The Jets, down 2 DB's, will probably be sending a lot more Kyle Wilson at the Texans than they would've liked. Cotchery's injury means that Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, and Dustin Keller will rack up fantasy points.

McClain: DIles To Be Inactive Sunday

The Houston Chronicle’s John McClain is reporting that Houston Texans linebacker Zac Diles will not be active for this Sunday’s game against the Jets.

Diles went to the hospital earlier this week with dizziness, which McClain claims was caused by heart palpitations. He shouldn’t miss any other time, according to McClain.

McClain claims that rookie Darryl Sharpton will get the start, but the Texans will probably wind up playing Xavier Adibi in Diles’ spot as well, should he be cleared to play. It’s a situation to avoid if you’re one of the few people who play IDP fantasy football.

Week 11 Texans Injury Report: Daniels Out, Schaub And Diles Questionable

The theme of the Friday Texans practice was stagnation: nothing changed. Owen Daniels? Out another week. Zac Diles? Still sick. Matt Schaub? Still likely to play according to anyone you ask.

The Jets ruled out three players: CB Dwight Lowery, WR Jerricho Cotchery, and DB Marquis Cole. If you have Braylon Edwards or Santonio Holmes, Cotchery being officially ruled out should cool your warm heart with an icy island song. Or the reverse, I can never remember.

Here’s the whole thing from Scurfield:

Out
TE Owen Daniels (hamstring/DNP), DE Jesse Nading (knee/DNP)

Questionable
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring/full), Zac Diles (illness/DNP), QB Matt Schaub (knee/full)

Probable
DE Mark Anderson (arm/full), LB Kevin Bentley (knee/full), G Mike Brisiel (ribs, knee/full), DT Shaun Cody (knee/full), RB Arian Foster (no injury/DNP), CB Kareem Jackson (full/shin), WR Andre Johnson (ankle/limited), LB Stanford Keglar (quad/full), C Chris Myers (shoulder/limited), P Matt Turk (r. hip, limited), WR Kevin Walter (knee/full), DE Mario Williams (groin/limited)

Jets

Out
DB Marquice Cole (hamstring/DNP), WR Jerricho Cotchery (groin/DNP), DB Dwight Lowery (concussion/DNP)

Probable
LB David Harris (calf/limited) OL Nick Mangold (shoulder/full), LB Josh Mauga (hamstring/full), LB Calvin Pace (foot/full), DB Darrelle Revis (hamstring/full), QB Mark Sanchez (calf/full), OL Matt Slauson (knee/full), WR Brad Smith (low back/limited), DB Eric Smith (ankle/full), OL Damien Woody (knee/full)

Week 11 Texans Injury Report: Schaub Practices, Diles Doesn't

Schroeder already updated Matt Schaub being back, so I’ll let that stand. Jets cornerback Dwight Lowery has been ruled out with a concussion, so Kyle WIlson will probably get a few more snaps in the nickel for the Jets. Finally, Zac Diles missed practice with illness. Must have watched his game tape. Here’s the rest of the report from Nick Scurfield:

Texans

Did Not Participate in Practice
TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), LB Zac Diles (illness), DE Jesse Nading (knee)

Limited Participation in Practice
WR Andre Johnson (ankle), C Chris Myers (shoulder), QB Matt Schaub (knee), P Matt Turk (r. hip), DE Mario Williams (groin)

Full Participation in Practice
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), DE Mark Anderson (arm), LB Kevin Bentley (knee), G Mike Brisiel (ribs, knee), DT Shaun Cody (knee), CB Kareem Jackson (shin), LB Stanford Keglar (quad), WR Kevin Walter (knee)

Jets

Out
DB Dwight Lowery (concussion)

Did Not Participate in Practice
DB Marquice Cole (hamstring), WR Jerricho Cotchery (groin)

Limited Participation in Practice
OL Matt Slauson (knee), DB Eric Smith (ankle)

Full Participation in Practice
OL Nick Mangold (shoulder), LB Josh Mauga (hamstring), LB Calvin Pace (foot), DB Darrelle Revis (hamstring), RB Tony Richardson (no injury), QB Mark Sanchez (calf), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (no injury), OL Damien Woody (knee)

Chris Myers also joined the injury report. Fortunately, Kris Jenkins was already IR’ed, or this would be something to be really concerned about instead of somewhat concerned about.

Matt Schaub Practiced Thursday After Spending Night In Hospital

Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub was back to practice Thursday after being hospitalized earlier in the week due to an injury to the bursa sac in his right knee.

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said Schaub took about half the first-team snaps on Thursday and that the only way Schaub will not start Sunday against the New York Jets is if he has a setback before the game.

If Schaub, who has thrown for 2,320 yards this season, is unable to start, the Texans would more than likely rely on backup Dan Orlovsky. It would be interesting, however, if Matt Leinart – the Texans other quarterback – was able to show what he’s able to do in a Texans uniform.

Schaub has started 25 straight games for the Texans, though, so if you have him in your fantasy football league, he’s probably a safe bet to start – both for the Texans and your fantasy team.

Schaub Hospitalized Overnight, Misses Practice, Expected Back Tomorrow

Only two real surprises on the injury report today. Texans quarterback Matt Schaub had his bursa sac drained in his knee Tuesday night and was hopsitalized after the procedure today. Most players would probably miss a game after the procedure, but given how important the quarterback position is to NFL teams and how important Schaub in particular is to the slim odds that the Texans will make the playoffs, expect to see him practicing tomorrow. Sorry if that goes against your injury-prone ideal of him.

On the other side of the spectrum: someone who actually is injury prone, Xavier Adibi, practiced in full for the first time since…I can’t remember. Probably sometime before Brian Cushing came back. So if the Texans need someone to be horrendous in pass coverage and tackle with the full force of mediocrity, they should have him back on the bench.

Here’s the whole list, via Scurfield:

Texans

Did Not Participate in Practice
TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), WR Andre Johnson (ankle), DE Jesse Nading (knee), QB Matt Schaub (knee)

Limited Participation in Practice
P Matt Turk (hip), DE Mario Williams (groin)

Full Participation in Practice
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), DE Mark Anderson (arm), LB Kevin Bentley (knee), G Mike Brisiel (ribs, knee), DT Shaun Cody (knee), CB Kareem Jackson (shin), LB Stanford Keglar (quad), WR Kevin Walter (knee)

Jets

Did Not Participate in Practice
DB Marquice Cole (hamstring), WR Jerricho Cotchery (groin), DB Dwight Lowery (concussion), RB Tony Richardson (no injury), OL Matt Slauson (knee), DB Eric Smith (ankle), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (no injury)

Limited Participation in Practice
QB Mark Sanchez (calf)

Full Participation in Practice
OL Nick Mangold (shoulder), LB Josh Mauga (hamstring), LB Calvin Pace (foot), DB Darrelle Revis (hamstring), OL Damien Woody (knee)

Week 10 Texans-Jaguars Inactives

Your Week 10 Texans-Jags inactives, courtesy of the official Texans Twitter:

Texans
LB Xavier Adibi
CB Jason Allen
TE Owen Daniels
QB Matt Leinart (3rd QB)
DE Jesse Nading
DT Malcolm Sheppard
G Kasey Studdard
S Torri Williams

Jaguars
FB Brock Bolen
DT Nate Collins
CB Chevis Jackson
WR John Matthews
DE Aaron Morgan
OT Adam Terry
CB Terrance Wheatley
OT Guy Whimper

Week 10 Texans Injury Report: Daniels Will Miss Second Game In A Row, Kampman Out For Jags

Texans tight end Owen Daniels will miss his second game in a row with a hamstring injury that occurred against the Colts. He has yet to practice since Monday night’s game, and at this point we may be looking at a situation where he’s out an extended length of time. If someone starts to emerge between Joel Dreessen and James Casey for full tight end snaps, that person would be a great pickup in fantasy leagues.

Jaguars defensive end Aaron Kampman tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the season. He injured himself during practice Thursday and had the MRI results come in today. That should be a boost to Matt Schaub’s time in the pocket, but you were likely going to start him anyway.

Here’s the full thing from Scurfield:

Texans

Out

TE Owen Daniels (hamstring/DNP)

Doubtful
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring/DNP)

Questionable
WR Andre Johnson (ankle/limited), DE Jesse Nading (knee/limited), CB Glover Quin (neck/full)

Probable
DE Mark Anderson (arm/full), LB Kevin Bentley (knee/full), G Mike Brisiel (back/full), DT Shaun Cody (knee/limited, TE Garrett Graham (shoulder/full), LB Stanford Keglar (thigh/full), DT Earl Mitchell (ankle/full), CB Karl Paymah (wrist/full), QB Matt Schaub (ribs/full), DE Mario Williams (groin/full)

Jaguars

Out
DE Aaron Kampman (knee/DNP)

Probable
DT Tyson Alualu (knee/full), FB Greg Jones (ankle/full), DE Jeremy Mincey (hand/full), LB Daryl Smith (back/full)

Both Johnson and Schaub will start. Alualu’s knee is apparently doing much better. Xavier Adibi will likely be a DNP for the second straight week in a row, although one can argue that he hasn’t ever really shown up since 2008.

Week 10 Texans Injury Report: Barber To IR With Knee Injury Suffered In Practice

We go again to our pal Nick Scurfield, who has all the news you want to know

Texans
Out
S Dominique Barber (knee)

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), WR Andre Johnson (ankle)

Limited Participation in Practice
DT Shaun Cody (knee), DE Jesse Nading (ankle), CB Glover Quin (neck), DE Mario Williams (groin)

Full Participation in Practice
DE Mark Anderson (arm), LB Kevin Bentley (knee), G Mike Brisiel (back), TE Garrett Graham (shoulder), LB Stanford Keglar (thigh), DT Earl Mitchell (ankle), CB Karl Paymah (wrist), QB Matt Schaub (ribs)

Jaguars

Did Not Participate in Practice
DT Tyson Alualu (knee)

Limited Participation in Practice
FB Greg Jones (ankle), DE Aaron Kampman (knee), DE Jeremy Mincey (hand)

Full Participation in Practice
LB Daryl Smith (back)

Kampman injured his knee in practice, and went to get a scope, which could make this the third straight week the Texans have gotten luck on the opponent’s injury front. Alualu’s rode the bikes today.

No news on the Daniels front, he again didn’t practice. Johnson and Schaub should be good to go. Barber injured his knee in practice and it swelled up enough to make the Texans put him on IR. New arrival Jason Allen is his roster replacement. Gary Kubiak said that losing Barber would put tremendous strain on special teams.

Week 10 Texans Injury Report: Daniels Still Sidelined

Nick Scurfield has started singing the news, and the Texans injury woes continue to pile up as Matt Schaub joins the report on a trial basis:

Texans

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), WR Andre Johnson (ankle)

Limited Participation in Practice
S Dominique Barber (knee), LB Kevin Bentley (knee), G Mike Brisiel (back), DT Shaun Cody (knee), DE Jesse Nading (ankle), QB Matt Schaub (ribs), DE Mario Williams (groin)

Full Participation in Practice
DE Mark Anderson (arm), TE Garrett Graham (shoulder), LB Stanford Keglar (thigh), DT Earl Mitchell (ankle), CB Karl Paymah (wrist)

Jaguars

Limited Participation in Practice
DE Jeremy Mincey (hand), LB Daryl Smith (back)

Kubiak says that Schaub will be starting on Sunday, and he did take most of his reps this week. He also made sure to emphasize that Andre Johnson will get Wednesdays off the rest of the year. Nothing on Owen Daniels, and no news is not good news in this case. More news on that to come on Thursday, hopefully.

Week 9 Texans-Chargers Inactives: No Gates, No Daniels

Via the invaluable Nick Scurfield:

Texans
QB Matt Leinart (3rd QB)
WR Dorin Dickerson
TE Owen Daniels
OG Kasey Studdard
CB Karl Paymah
DL Malcolm Sheppard
DL Jesse Nading
LB Xavier Adibi

Chargers
OG Kris Dielman
TE Antonio Gates
WR Malcolm Floyd
WR Legedu Naanee
NT Cam Thomas
LB Brandon Siler
SS Darrell Stuckey
K Nate Kaeding

Big benefits for the Texans defense here, as most of the Chargers passing game is out and Kris Dielman, one of the better guards in the league, is also out.

Be sure to follow the game with like-minded Texans fans at Battle Red Blog.

Week 9 Texans Injury Report: Four Chargers, Including Antonio Gates, Doubtful

Rotoworld's Evan Silva notes that not a single player that has been listed as doubtful for the Chargers under Norv Turner has wound up playing. Good news for the Texans here, who could be seeing the Chargers without  four of their top five receivers last year, as Vincent Jackson still will be sitting out. Here are your full lists from the man, the myth, the Nick Scurfield: 

Texans
...
Questionable
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring/DNP), DT Shaun Cody (knee/DNP), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring/DNP), DT Earl Mitchell (ankle/full), DE Jesse Nading (ankle/DNP)
Probable
LB Kevin Bentley (knee/full), G Mike Brisiel (knee/full), TE Garrett Graham (shoulder/full), WR Andre Johnson (ankle/limited), LB Stanford Keglar (thigh/full), CB Karl Paymah (wrist/full), LB Darryl Sharpton (ankle/full), DE Mario Williams (hip/limited)

Chargers
Out
K Nate Kaeding (rt. groin/DNP)
Doubtful
WR Malcolm Floyd (hamstring/DNP), TE Antonio Gates (toe/DNP), WR Legedu Naanee (hamstring/DNP), LB Brandon Siler (foot/DNP)
Questionable
LB Larry English (foot/limited), WR Richard Goodman (hamstring/limited)
Full Participation in Practice
LB Kevin Burnett (shoulder/full), G Kris Dielman (neck/full), CB Quetin Jammer (no injury/DNP)

With Mitchell getting full practice time and Cody not, it will be interesting to see who gets more snaps at defensive tackle this week. Andre Johnson and Mario Williams should both play through their injuries, as usual. 

With Nate Kaeding out, former Texan Kris Brown gets to return to town. I'm sure that might send some Houston fans into conditioned booing at some point during the game.

For more on the Texans, check out Battle Red Blog.

Week 9 Texans Injury Report: Daniels To Be Game Time Decision

According to a series of tweets by Nick Scurfield, Texans TE Owen Daniels will be a game-time decision. Daniels can play without practicing, according to Gary Kubiak.

Xavier Adibi also didn't play and is also a game-time decision, but no quotes were given on whether he'd be able to play without practicing. 

If Daniels can't go, Joel Dreessen would get the start. Dreessen has been a big part of the Texans game plan anyway, so tight end James Casey would benefit the most from Daniels absence. The starting outside linebacker spot that Adibi played while Brian Cushing was suspended is currently being filled by Kevin Bentley. Although there is a chance that Darryl Sharpton could play his way into the lineup at some point.

For more on the Texans, check out Battle Red Blog.

Week 9 Texans Injury Report: Daniels Sidelined By Hammy

The Texans injury report shed a couple of big names in Mario Williams and Andre Johnson from the DNP list, but Owen Daniels continues to sit with a nagging hamstring that he aggravated against the Colts. Xavier "DNP" Adibi joined him on the sidelines while everyone else at least got a little work in on the side: 

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
DT Shaun Cody (knee), WR Andre Johnson (ankle), DT Earl Mitchell (ankle), DE Jesse Nading (ankle), DE Mario Williams (hip)

Full Participation in Practice
LB Kevin Bentley (knee), G Mike Brisiel (knee), TE Garrett Graham (shoulder), LB Stanford Keglar (thigh), CB Karl Paymah (wrist), LB Darryl Sharpton (ankle)

Cody was a new addition to the report, but he often takes a day here or there off when the Texans are indoors due to his problems with turf. It looks like Brisiel will be good to go.

On the Chargers side of things, Antonio Gates again sat out and is looking more and more likely to miss the game on Sunday. The other two Chargers wideouts, Malcolm Floyd and Legedu Naanee, also sat out. The Chargers signed Kelley Washington to help reinforce the position today, so it's likely that at least one of the two won't be out there on Sunday. If you're looking for the Chargers players who will have big fantasy days against the terrible Texans defense, try Patrick Crayton and Randy McMichael. 

For more on the Texans, check out Battle Red Blog.

Gates Tore Plantar Fascia In Week 8, May Be Out Against Texans

Here's one break that's going for the Texans instead of against them: star Chargers tight end Antonio Gates has an injured leg. No, not the one that's been hobbling him all season, the other one. From the San Diego Union-Tribune:

Antonio Gates was wheeling around Wednesday on a scooter that kept his right foot off the ground.

That's the opposite foot from the toe and ankle injuries that were known to be hobbling him the past two weeks.

In the second half of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, a game in which he caught five passes for 123 yards, Gates popped the plantar fascia in his right foot.

...

Dr. Phillip Kwong, a foot specialist with the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, said people find it difficult to walk for two weeks or more after tearing a plantar fascia.

"I think it's going to be really tough to play with any proficiency this Sunday, unless they do a remarkable job anesthetizing him," Kwong said. "... He has a lot of demands on him at his position," Kwong said. "This injury will make it difficult for him to push off and be explosive."
Gates has been able to play in relative comfort thanks to pain killing injections, but the hurt is almost intolerable when those wear off.

Gates declared privately after the Titans game he was out for this Sunday at Houston.

Then again, Phillip Rivers is still a great quarterback, and Peyton Manning proved that you don't have to have great receivers to beat the Texans. But handicapped without any of his receivers, this could completely change the complexion of the game. Assuming of course, that Gates isn't some sort of superhuman who will rise up and play anyway. Which he may be. 

For more on the Texans, check out Battle Red Blog.

Week 9 Texans Injury Report: Johnson Sits Out Wednesday Practice

Nick Scurfield goes over this weeks injury report, and a familiar face joins the drama as Andre Johnson sits out practice on Wednesday after catching his ankle on the Indy turf near the end of the game: 

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), WR Andre Johnson (ankle), DE Mario Williams (hip)

Limited Participation in Practice
DT Earl Mitchell (ankle), DE Jesse Nading (ankle)

Full Participation in Practice
LB Kevin Bentley (knee), G Mike Brisiel (knee), TE Garrett Graham (shoulder), LB Stanford Keglar (thigh), CB Karl Paymah (wrist), LB Darryl Sharpton (ankle)

Adibi (as usual) is day-to-day. The rest of the DNP's are the usual suspects. Mitchell and Nading are participating for the first time in a few weeks, and Mike Brisiel's comeback could be a big deal for a Texans team that is watching Antoine Caldwell struggle at right guard recently.

Nate Kaeding sat out practice again for the Chargers, meaning it's likely that Kris Brown will return to Reliant this week. All of the important Chargers receivers sat out as well, including Antonio Gates, Malcolm Floyd, and the Legend of Nene (Legedu Nanee)

For more on the Texans, check out Battle Red Blog.

DeMeco Ryans Done For Season With Torn Achilles

The Texans have announced that middle linebacker and defensive captain DeMeco Ryans will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his Achilles. The injury was largely a fluke, as Ryans was defending a pass in the second quarter and fell down untouched. Nonetheless, it leaves the Texans in a very unenviable position. Already down three linebackers, they had to turn to waiver wire pickup David Nixon to finish the game at outside linebacker.

Thankfully, the team has a bye to sort out their options, but the Texans run defense should take a pretty big hit without Ryans on the field. This could be the tipping point that takes a really bad defense to a historically bad one.

Nading To Sit, Jones Upgraded To Questionable

Nick Scurfield's Friday injury report is hot off the presses, and it doesn't contain too many surprises. It's looking likely that Jacoby Jones will play, which would be a huge boost to some return units that have been less than stellar the last couple of weeks. 

Out
DE Jesse Nading (knee/DNP)

Doubtful
LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring/DNP), LB Kevin Bentley (knee/DNP), G Mike Brisiel (knee/DNP), CB Sherrick McManis (hamstring/DNP)

 

Questionable
WR Dorin Dickerson (knee/limited), WR Jacoby Jones (calf/limited), DE Mario Williams (shoulder/limited)

Probable
S Dominique Barber (ribs/full), LB Brian Cushing (knee/full), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring/full), RB Arian Foster (knee/full), WR Andre Johnson (ankle/limited), S Bernard Pollard (neck/full), LB DeMeco Ryans (groin/full), LB Darryl Sharpton (ankle/full), RB Derrick Ward (ribs/full)

Expect most of the first column to sit and most of the second column to play. There shouldn't be too much lost for the Texans this week outside of special teams, where Bentley's absence continues to leave them weak. 

Brisiel Out A Few Weeks With Sprained MCL

The Texans official Twitter feed is reporting that the Texans will be without starting right guard Mike Brisiel for a couple of weeks:

Mike Brisiel is going to miss a couple weeks. He has a sprained MCL. Hope is that he’ll return after bye. Antoine Caldwell will replace him.

Caldwell and Brisiel had been splitting time, although Brisiel had earned a larger share over the past couple of weeks. It could have happened at a worse position, so the Texans shouldn’t feel too bad.

Mario Williams Injures Groin In Friday Practice; Game Day Decision

The Chronicle’s Dale Robertson reports that Texans defensive end Mario Williams suffered a groin injury in today’s practice that has forced the team to list him as questionable.

Gary Kubiak said after practice that Williams would be a game day decision. Should he not play, I suggest skipping the weekend beer run and going directly to the bleach aisle, because he’s going to be key against a good pass offense whose lone weakness is against good pass rushers.

Wednesday Injury Report: Johnson And Jones DNP, Are Questionable

Nick Scurfield hands off the Wednesday Texans-Giants injury report, and it's a doozy if you actually like putting three wide receivers on the field at one time:

Out

LB Kevin Bentley (knee)

Did Not Participate in Practice

WR Andre Johnson (ankle), WR Jacoby Jones (calf)

Limited Participation in Practice

S Dominique Barber (ribs), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring), S Bernard Pollard (neck), RB Derrick Ward (ribs), S Eugene Wilson (hamstring)

Full Participation in Practice

DE Jesse Nading (knee), LB Darryl Sharpton (ankle)

Johnson ran on the side Wednesday, Jones did nothing and will not test himself until Friday. To me (speculation), that reads like Jones will probably be out on Sunday. Eugene Wilson also practiced fully, and though I didn't actually get to watch practice, I'm sure that lead to an increase in completions and touchdowns for someone. 

Wednesday Injury Report List: Johnson Questionable, Bentley Out

In a series of tweets, Nick Scurfield of HoustonTexans.com unveiled the Texans Wednesday injury report list:

OUT
LB Kevin Bentley

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
WR Andre Johnson
LB Darryl Sharpton
FS Eugene Wilson

LIMITED
TE Owen Daniels

FULL PARTICIPANTS
DE Mario Williams
LB DeMeco Ryans

Nothing too surprising on that list. Andre Johnson, questionable with a high ankle sprain, said that it's just a matter of pain management for him:

"They're pretty nagging," Johnson said. "It's something that's going to bother me until it just fully heals. After I re-aggravated it last game, they told me that it hadn't gotten any worse; it was just every time I take a hit on it or I'm tackled a certain way, I'm going to feel pain. The only thing I could do is just come out for a few plays and if I'm able to go back and play, I can continue playing."

"That's just pretty much how it's going to be until it fully heals."

The signing of CB Karl Paymah, to me at least, looks like it's partially a result of the injury to Bentley, who is the Texans special team ace. With Bentley down with knee surgery and likely out at least a few weeks, the team opted to try to find another guy who could contribute on special teams. 

Andre Johnson Expects To Play Sunday At Oakland

SB Nation Houston’s David Nuño reports that Andre Johnson believes he will be good to go come Sunday’s game at Oakland.

Amdre Johnson [sic] just said he is confident he will play Sunday.#Texans #NFL

We’ll see how Johnson progresses throughout the week, but his confidence is plenty refreshing. That said, it’s not as if he’ll be doing much against the Raiders. Nnamdi Asomugha doesn’t let much get past him.

Johnson Aggravates Ankle Injury In Loss To Cowboys

Andre Johnson aggravated his high ankle sprain in Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He says that he plans to undergo the same treatment given to him last week and will ‘see what happens.’

“[The ankle] was bothering me. It’s been bothering me since I injured it, but I’m able to play with it. If I wasn’t able to play with it, I wouldn’t be out on the field, so I felt comfortable enough to go out and play with it, but it bothers me a little bit.”

Johnson finished with four catches for 64 yards. The Texans face the Oakland Raiders next week, who suddenly don’t appear to be the pushovers that they have been in the past. Don’t be surprised if Johnson becomes a game-time decision on Sunday.

Johnson Limited, But Participates On Thursday

The Thursday practice report was good news for the Texans as upgrades were numerous: Andre Johnson and James Casey both participated after sitting out Wednesday. Johnson was limited, while Casey was able to go the whole way. Mario Williams, Amobi Okoye, and Owen Daniels were also held back a little, as has been usual so far this year.

Dez Bryant participated for the Cowboys, and Jason Witten managed to go the whole way and looks good to go. Mike Jenkins was still limited, and Jay Ratliff was excused for the second straight day to deal with a personal problem.

Johnson, Casey, Sit Out Wednesday Practice

Andre Johnson and James Casey did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to ankle injuries that each suffered in the game against the Washington Redskins. Johnson returned to the field after his injury and is expected to play Sunday, whereas the coaching staff has seemed to be a bit less optimistic on Casey.

Owen Daniels, Amobi Okoye, and Mario Williams were limited participants. Antwaun Molden finally played a full practice after two weeks of hanging around the injury list.

On the Cowboys side, Dez Bryant sat out with injured ribs, while Jason Witten and Mike Jenkins were limited.

Johnson Day-To-Day With Mild Ankle Sprain

Andre Johnson was right. His ankle injury wasn’t serious.

Johnson underwent an MRI on Monday to evaluate his ankle, which he injured during Sunday’s win over the Washington Redskins. The results showed that Johnson suffered only a mild sprain. That’s the best news that the Texans could have received.

Unless something goes wrong in practice this week, Johnson should be on the field for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Andre Johnson Will Have MRI On Monday

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson will have an MRI on Monday for an ankle injury that he suffered in Sunday’s win over the Washington Redskins, according to MSNBC.com.

“I don’t think it’s anything real bad,” he said. “I think I should be fine next week.”

Johnson finished the game with twelve catches and 158 yards receiving, including the game-tying touchdown to send the game to overtime. Johnson’s quite the durable guy, so don’t expect him to miss next week’s game against Dallas.

NFL Week 2: Amobi Okoye Game-Time Decision

Defensive tackle Amobi Okoye will be a game-time decision when the Houston Texans square off against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on Sunday. Okoye was limited in practice on Friday, but according to head coach Gary Kubiak, today’s sessions weren’t very physical to begin with.

“He’s feeling better,” Kubiak told reporters of Okoye after practice Friday. “He did what we did today, but we weren’t very physical today.”

Kubiak said Okoye wore a boot Thursday as a precautionary measure.

“He tweaked his ankle, it swelled so we tried to get him off of it,” Kubiak said.

Rookie Earl Mitchell will see the field on Sunday even if Okoye is able to take some snaps. But if Okoye can’t go against the Redskins, Mitchell is expected to be ready to play extensively and productively:

“Earl has done some good stuff,” Kubiak said. “He hasn’t played extensively, all the plays that Amobi played last week. We had to move some guys around, but he’s a young kid who has shown some promise and if he gets an opportunity we’ll see.”

Amobi Okoye Out On Thursday

The injury report today was mostly uninteresting. A lot of guys moved up from limited participation to full participation on both sides. The only player who missed practice, in a surprise move, was Texans DT Amobi Okoye:

Kubiak said that Okoye "tweaked his ankle a little bit" in practice on Wednesday and that it was still sore on Thursday. "I kept him out in a boot, so he was not even over here. He’s day-to-day," Kubiak said. Kubiak held out Williams and Daniels in the second half of practice, which the Texans conducted indoors.

I wouldn’t be too worried about this one yet. If he misses the Friday practice, then some panic is acceptable. If Okoye did miss time, rookie Earl Mitchell would probably be the beneficiary.

Many Limited, None Out On Wednesday Injury Report

After placing Connor Barwin on the IR, the rest of the Houston roster is in pretty good condition for this weeks matchup in Washington. The Texans had eight players limited in practice, but everyone who was on that list last week was good to go. Antwuan Molden, who was out last week with an ankle injury, was able to join limited practice this week.

Also on the report for the Texans as limited: Owen Daniels, Mario Williams, Vonta Leach, Dominique Barber, Eugene Wilson (stunner), Amobi Okoye, and Duane Brown.

The Redskins also will come into the game fairly healthy, with only safety Kareem Moore missing practice on Wednesday. Albert Haynesworth and Perry Riley were also limited.

Texans To Work Out Adewale Ogunleye and Bobby McCray On Tuesday

In the aftermath of the Houston Texans’ impressive win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, it was undertsandably easy to remember that not everything that transpired on Sunday was gravy for Gary Kubiak’s squad. The Texans suffered a significant blow when defensive end Connor Barwin went down on Sunday with a fractured ankle. He will miss the remainder of the 2010 season.

Adjust and move on. That’s life in the NFL. So on Tuesday, the Texans will workout two veteran defensive linemen. According to ESPN’s Adam Scheffer, they are:

Adewale Ogunleye and Bobby McCray are working out with the Texans tomorrow.

Both McCray and Ogunleye have been productive in the past – each has posted a 10-plus sack season. Best of luck to Barwin in his rehabilitation, and best of luck to the Texans and the two players reportedly heading to town tomorrow to prove they’ve still got what it takes to contribute on this year’s Texans’ squad.

Report: Barwin Done For Season WIth "Fractured Ankle"

John McClain is reporting via Twitter that Connor Barwin will be out for the season after fracturing his ankle in the second quarter of Sunday’s win against Indianapolis.

In addition to seriously weakening the pass rush, this should push extra pressure on the Texans to sign Aaron Schobel. Should make for an interesting week at practice.

Barwin Leaves Colts Game With Serious Leg Injury

Houston Texans defensive end Connor Barwin was carted off the field of Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts with an apparent right leg injury. No word on how serious the injury was, but Barwin looked to be in a great amount of pain upon colliding with Antonio Smith.

More on this as it becomes available.

Owen Daniels Will Start Sunday Against The Colts

The remarkable recovery by Houston Texans tight end is nearly complete. After suffering a torn ACL injury last season, Owen Daniels appears ready to go for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Though there has been plenty of speculation as to whether or nto head coach Gary Kubiak would play Daniels in Week 1, ESPN’s Adam Scheffer reported on Twitter just a short while ago that Kubiak confirmed to him that Daniels will in fact play. Here’s the tweet:

Nice comeback story: Texans coach Gary Kubiak said TE Owen Daniels will start Sunday’s game versus Indianapolis.

Nice comeback story indeed. Congratulations to Daniels on all the hard work to get to this point. Now, just stay healthy and help the Texans get over the hump!

No Alarms And No Surprises: Everyone Participates Except Molden

Here is the Wednesday Injury Report of Nick Scurfield, who is dominating the Texans interwebz today:

Texans
Did Not Participate in Practice
CB Antwaun Molden (ankle)

Limited Participation in Practice
T Duane Brown (hamstring)
TE Owen Daniels (knee)
DE Mario Williams (groin)

Full Participation in Practice
CB Kareem Jackson (eye)
RB Steve Slaton (toe)

Antwaun Molden’s ankle, of course, is a hypothetical thing. Behind Molden on the depth chart is Jamar Wall, a guy who has been on the team for not even a week. Then Sherrick McManis, who was badly exposed during the Tampa game.

So, I miss Jacques Reeves already. I’ll admit it.

Slaton: "I'm Good"

Steve Slaton affirmed that he will be in the lineup on Sunday during his visit to a local fire station:

“I’m good,” he said. “I ran last Friday and Saturday, practiced yesterday (Monday), I’ll practice tomorrow and I’ll be ready to go full-go.”

Incidentally, Slaton suffered a similar toe injury against the Cowboys in the third preseason game of his rookie season in 2008. Two weeks later, he was healthy enough to carry the ball 13 times in Week 1 at Pittsburgh. He wound up with a franchise-record 1,282 rushing yards that season.

I wish I was that optimistic again. Slaton will mostly just take third-down duties this year, and probably shouldn’t be a fantasy league play this week against Indy unless you have a twenty team league that starts three running backs.

Texans Injuries: Report: Slaton "Expected" To Play Vs. Indy

The injury report for the Texans opener is pretty dry, which is always a good sign when you're starting the year off.

In a column, John McClain claimed that running back Steve Slaton, who missed the final game of the preseason with turf toe, should be ready to go against Indianapolis. So far, Gary Kubiak has only said that he is hoping that Slaton is ready to go. We'll see who is closer to correct as the week progresses. If Slaton is out, newly signed Derrick Ward would take over third down/backup duties.

Linebacker Xavier Adibi finally played through his strained groin Thursday night, and made the Texans roster. There could still be lingering effects of the injury, but for now it seems like he's good to go. Of course, if so much as a leaf falls on the fragile Adibi things could change. 

Offensive Guard Mike Brisiel continues to play through pain in his foot as a result of last year's Lisfranc surgery that jettisoned him to IR. He and Antoine Caldwell are battling for the open right guard spot. 

Tight end Anthony Hill was placed on the PUP list as he continues to rehab his ACL tear, meaning he won't be on the field for awhile. The Texans, with their army of tight ends, are well prepared to absorb that loss. In fact, it's debatable that Hill would even get playing time if he came back. So if you're the one Anthony Hill owner in a dynasty league, you may cut bait whenever you're ready.

Running back Ben Tate (ankle), wide receiver/punt returner Trindon Holliday (finger), and wide receiver/punt returner Andre Davis (hip) are all on injured reserve and out for the season.