Texans vs. Bears: LB Darryl Sharpton cleared for return

Placed on Houston's physically unable to perform (PUP) list at the end of August with a hip injury, Texans linebacker Darryl Sharpton was cleared to begin practicing with the team on Tuesday, according to a report by Nick Scurfield of HoustonTexans.com.

A former fourth-round draft pick out of Miami, Sharpton will not count against Houston's 53-man roster if he only takes part in practice over the next three weeks. The team will have a 21-day window to decide whether to place him back on the active roster and release a player at any time, or keep his name on the PUP list and effectively force him out for the remainder of the season.

Sharpton started six times for the Texans as a rookie in 2010, but has been limited to just eight games over the last two seasons due to injuries. While he could potentially suit up this weekend for a marquee battle with the Chicago Bears, the latest Sharpton could make his 2012 debut and not count against the active roster will be in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans.