DETROIT – Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph is inactive for Thursday's game against the Lions at Ford Field.
Joseph was ruled out 90 minutes before kickoff with a hamstring injury. The 2011 Pro Bowler has started 25 of 26 games since signing with the Texans last offseason. Kareem Jackson and Alan Ball will start at corner in his absence as the Texans face Lions All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who leads the league with 1,117 receiving yards.
Texans nose tackle Shaun Cody (ribs/back), inside linebacker Tim Dobbins (shoulder), running back Ben Tate (hamstring) and rookie wide receiver DeVier Posey are also inactive because of injuries. Earl Mitchell will make his third consecutive start at nose tackle. Darryl Sharpton will start at inside linebacker, and running back Justin Forsett will continue to serve as the backup to Arian Foster.
Four Lions starters are inactive, including left tackle Jeff Backus (hamstring), wide receiver Titus Young (non-injury), defensive tackle Corey Williams (knee/illness) and cornerback Jacoby Lacey (foot). Rookie Riley Reiff will start at left tackle against Texans outside linebacker Connor Barwin, a Detroit native who will have dozens of family and friends at the game.
Lions rookie Ryan Broles will start at wide receiver for Young. Nick Fairley will start at defensive tackle for Williams. Drayton Florence will start at cornerback for Lacey.
The Texans' other inactives are offensive tackle Andrew Gardner and guard Cody White. Second-year cornerback Roc Carmichael and rookie guard Brandon Brooks are active for the first time in their respective careers.
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