Cornerback Johnathan Joseph did not practice on Wednesday because of a sore groin. He was the only Texans player to miss practice.
Texans coach Gary Kubiak said he does not expect Joseph, a 2011 Pro Bowler, to practice on Thursday. Kubiak said Monday that the Texans "might have to be smart with" Joseph to get him to Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens at Reliant Stadium.
"I think there are concerns until he gets back on the field," Kubiak said on Wednesday. "We've been down this road before, so we know what we're dealing with. He's very upbeat today. I like our chances, but I'm going to wait. It's probably going to be an end-of-the-week decision."
Joseph has played with a sore groin, a hip issue and other minor ailments at various times since signing with the Texans last offseason.
"We know he's very capable of going out there and playing," Kubiak said. "He's done it before, and he's got a good break coming after this. We're going to do everything we possibly can to have him with us."
The Texans have their bye week after Sunday's game against the Ravens, who are 5-1 and tied with Houston for the best record in the AFC. Kubiak is not keen on the idea of resting Joseph just to rest him so that he can get two weeks off to heal.
If Joseph is healthy, he'll play. If he's not, he won't.
"We're all hands on deck to go win a football game," Kubiak said. "If the doctors tell me that they think it's a problem with it... then we definitely do it. To sit here today and say that's what we should do for the long haul, I think we've got to give him a chance because he's been down this road before and played extremely well. We've got to give him a chance to do it again. It's a very big game."
Texans right guard Antoine Caldwell was limited in practice on Wednesday after suffering a concussion in Week 6. Inside linebacker Bradie James (calf) also was limited, which Kubiak indicated could become routine to help keep James fresh. James, 31, is now playing 60-plus snaps a game instead of 30 with Brian Cushing out for the season.
Running back Ben Tate (toe) was limited Wednesday, but Kubiak said he was "back to work full-time" and "had a really good day." Tight end Owen Daniels, running back Arian Foster, wide receiver Andre Johnson and defensive end Antonio Smith all were limited in practice with "non-injury" designations, meaning the Texans were simply letting them rest.
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