Head coach Gary Kubiak diffused any rumours yesterday about the possibility of Domanick Davis being released.
The Texans' leading rusher, who has been hobbled by a sore left knee throughout training camp, is not a candidate for the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since he practiced during the preseason.
So that leaves Houston with one of three options. The team can release Davis, include him on the final 53-man roster, or place him on the reserved/injured list, which would prevent him from playing this season.
Kubiak was adamant Tuesday in saying that Davis is not a candidate to be cut. Here is the exact quote (
"The idea of cutting Domanick has not even played a factor," Kubiak said. "I don't know where that came from. The decision is strictly if his knee is going to be healthy enough to play. If his knee is not healthy enough to play, if that is the decision that's made about him, then he's looking at an I.R. (injured reserve) season. If he is going to be able to make it back, then he is going to be on this football team. The other choice (cutting Davis) has never been a factor. Domanick Davis is a big part of this football team, as I've said all along we're going to do what's right for him."
So there you have it. A meeting between Texans representatives, including Kubiak, general manager Rick Smith and team physicians, and Davis, could happen as soon as Thursday. At that time, they likely will discuss their options and decide which way to go.
It's obvious that Davis wants to play, and Kubiak would love to have Davis' services. But there is a lot of uncertainty. Would resting Davis this season help him in the long run? Will a few weeks rest do the trick? Unfortunately, there might not be clear answers to those questions. Everyone's body responds differently, and no one can predict how Davis' knee will progress. Whatever direction the Texans decide to go in regard to Davis will shed some light on what they think is best for the fourth-year runner from LSU.
In the meantime, the Texans seem to be fairly loaded in the backfield with rookie Wali Lundy and Vernand Morency. Along with either Antowain Smith or Chris Taylor, the Texans should have more than enough capable ball carriers. But there's no disputing the fact that a healthy Davis would do wonders for the Texans' ground game. Let's also not forget that Davis has some of the best hands of anyone coming out of the backfield in the NFL. And David Carr always could use another safety valve against the pass rush.
As soon as an official decision is made on Davis' future, we'll have it on HoustonTexans.com. So stay tuned for more information as it develops.
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