Texans vs. Patriots injury report: Alan Ball and Brooks Reed miss practice, many others limited

Monday night features what many are calling the best game in the NFL this year as two of the AFC's best teams will do battle in Foxboro. But as the Houston Texans look ahead to the New England Patriots, they do so with a very banged-up roster, although only two Texans defenders sat out of Thursday's practice.

Linebacker Brooks Reed (groin) and defensive back Alan Ball (foot) sat out of Thursday's practice while dealing with those injuries. Many other Texans defenders were limited in practice with injuries. Defensive tackle Shaun Cody (ribs/back), linebacker Tim Dobbins (shoulder), inside linebacker Bradie James (hamstring), cornerback Jonathan Joseph (groin/hamstring) and defensive end Antonio Smith (ankle) were all limited in practice.

It's not much better on the offensive side of the ball for the Texans. Guard Antoine Caldwell (hamstring), tight end Garrett Graham (concussion), tackle Derek Newton (knee) and guard Wade Smith (knee/ribs) were also limited in Thursday's practice.