One day after his career-high scoring performance, Andre Johnson's mind was on head coach Gary Kubiak who was noticeably absent from Monday morning meetings at Reliant Stadium.
"It was definitely different," Johnson said Monday afternoon. "You are used to a certain routine with him here."
While heading to the locker room at halftime, Kubiak collapsed along the sideline during Sunday's 27-24 loss to Indianapolis. The head coach was checked by team doctors before being taken in an ambulance to a Houston-area hospital. On Monday, Texans Executive VP of Football Operations General Manager Rick Smith said that Kubiak was "alert, coherent, and in good spirits" but would remain at the hospital for at least another 24 hours.
Well wishes poured in on via social media for Kubiak during and after the nationally broadcast game. Johnson said he hopes to visit the hospital and pass along his sentiments in person to the coach he considers like family.
"It's crossed my mind," Johnson said. "It's kind of crazy just trying to gather all this with the game last night and then with that happening so it's crossed my mind. Something I'm thinking about doing. Haven't decided when I'll do it but I probably will."
With Kubiak out, Johnson is confident that offensive coordinator Rick Dennison can step in and help prepare the game plan for the week. His advice to Kubiak while he recovers is simple.
"I'd tell him to worry about his health first," Johnson said. "I think that's the biggest thing. This is just a game. Your health is more important. You have family, kids, cousins, aunties, uncles. You have people that mean a lot to you, more than just this football game. This football game is going to be here. It's not going anywhere."
