It's nearly November, which means attrition is rearing its ugly head in the NFL. And the Texans are once again dealing with it, primarily on the defensive side of the ball.
With the Colts on deck in Indianapolis Sunday, it appears as if cornerback Aaron Glenn will return to Houston's lineup after missing the past two games with a groin injury. But two other defensive starters -- outside linebacker Charlie Clemons and defensive end Gary Walker -- will be game-time decisions.
"Charlie Clemons and Gary Walker, we'll have to wait until Sunday to see if they're available to us," head coach Dom Capers said Friday. "Jason Bell, I don't think he'll be available to us."
None of the three practiced Friday. Clemons has an ankle injury and Walker has a case of turf toe. Both players have missed previous games this season with different injuries. Clemons missed Houston's win over Jacksonville Sept. 28 with a chest injury. Walker missed the first two games of the season with a shoulder injury.
"You always would like to have a guy practice if he's capable of practicing," Capers said. "But in this day and age, everybody has injuries. That's an area that I don't get involved in. I'm going to go by what our medical staff and our training staff says in regards to a player's availability."
Rookie Antwan Peek would step into the right outside linebacker slot. The Texans could rotate Steve Martin and Junior Ioane in Walker's absence, or activate rookie Terrance Martin, who has been inactive the past two games.
Bell has a knee injury and, although he isn't a starter, is the gunner on special teams. Wide receiver Corey Bradford will step up to assume that role Sunday.
"Corey has a lot of experience in that role," Capers said.
Meanwhile, Glenn has looked sharp all week in preparation for his return against one of the league's top passing offenses.
"I
think he's had an excellent week of practice," Capers said.
"When Aaron comes onto the practice field, he competes like
it's a game every day. I feel very good about Aaron being ready to
go."
