Brian Cushing Injury: Crushing Blow

Some positions are easy to replace on a team deep with talent like the Texans, but inside linebacker is not one of those positions. If reports are true that Brian Cushing tore his ACL on Monday and will miss the rest of the season; it will have a big impact on the Texans.

A source told PFT’s Mike Florio that the Texans’ medical staff fears Cushing suffered a torn ACL in Monday night’s win over the Jets. An MRI to reveal the severity of the injury will be conducted today.

Cushing may not be the most talented player on the Texans defense, but he's their leader and is impossible to completely replace. He makes all of their calls and adjustments at the line, has a nose for the ball, and is a sure tackler. Tim Dobbins who will likely be his replacement is a solid player, but he's not capable of making the same plays that Cushing makes on a routine basis. Of players the Texans could least afford to lose, I believe Cushing ranks third on that list behind Matt Schaub and Johnathan Joseph. I say that because he's a Pro-Bowl caliber player and the Texans have almost no depth at the position. Daryl Sharpton is eligible to come off the PUP list after the Green Bay game this week, but the Texans will need to add a player. I expect that to be someone who has experience playing in Wade Phillips defense.

The Texans have struggled against the run this season so losing their star inside linebacker could have a big impact. Before last night the Texans were giving up 4.3 yards per carry which ranked 23rd in the league; what will it be without Cushing? Seems like the Texans are the victim of a curse; they can't buy good luck with injuries lately. Huge buzz kill after the big win on Monday.