The Texans are in good health as they approach their Week 9 game against the San Diego Chargers.
No players are listed as out or doubtful on the final injury report. The last time that happened was in Week 3.
Five players are listed as questionable, meaning they have a 50-50 chance of playing: linebacker Xavier Adibi (hamstring), defensive tackle Shaun Cody (knee), tight end Owen Daniels, defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (ankle) and defensive end Jesse Nading (ankle).
Eight players are listed as probable, meaning they have a virtual certainty of playing. Among them are wide receiver Andre Johnson (ankle) and defensive end Mario Williams (hip), who were both limited in practice on Thursday and Friday.
'Battling through it'Johnson tweaked his high-ankle sprain twice on Monday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, but he's showing no signs of slowing down.
"He's taken all the reps that he could take," Kubiak said. "He's tells me that, 'Hey, I'm fine, I just gotta keep battling through it.' I think the key is that if Andre can get through two or three games without tweaking it, I think he's going to be fine. We'll keep him on the same routine right along."
Ready for repsSecond-year tight end James Casey was more involved in the offense in practice this week because of Daniels' injury. Those practice reps should translate to game reps If Daniels sits out on Sunday.
"It's really tough to come across opportunities in the NFL," Casey said. "It's hard; greatest competition in the world. But I've been working hard all year long and been prepared to play no matter what. Every game, I go into it like I'm going to play a lot of snaps. It's nothing different this game."
More of JonesKubiak said that wide receiver Jacoby Jones will return kickoffs for the second consecutive game. Jones averaged 24.6 yards per return on seven returns at Indianapolis.
"He did a good job," Kubiak said. "Y'all remember, now: That was probably his first healthy game back, too, and he's had a good week of practice. So he'll stay back there."
Jones injured his calf in Week 4 at Oakland and missed the following game against the Giants.
Three LBsSunday's game will be the first time that middle linebacker Brian Cushing, weakside linebacker Zac Diles and strongside linebacker Kevin Bentley play together as a group.
"We played all nickel last week," Kubiak said. "This is a big change for us because now Kevin goes on the field. We play a lot more base because this team plays in two backs and one back. That's going to change for us from that standpoint.
"Kevin is not a guy you worry about reps. He's played a lot of plays in this league. They've had a good week of work and they'll get tested against a hell of a group, because they can move the ball."
