Texans coach Gary Kubiak said Monday that "there's definitely a possibility" All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson and starting fullback James Casey return from injuries to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8.
Kubiak expects both players to practice this week. Johnson has missed the last three-and-a-half games with a hamstring injury that required minor surgery on Oct. 4.
"The plan is for Andre to practice this week," Kubiak said. "That is the plan as of right now, and we'll see how that goes, so they both have an opportunity this week. Andre had a really good day of work today, just (from) me talking to the trainers... So we're expecting him to get back on the practice field with his teammates at some point this week."
Casey has missed the last two-and-a-half games with a pectoral injury. A converted tight end who gives the Texans multiple looks out of the backfield, he was a game-time decision on Sunday at Tennessee.
"James should be back at practice on Wednesday if there's no setbacks here over the course of the next two days," Kubiak said.
The Texans lost their first two games without Johnson before winning 41-7 at Tennessee on Sunday. Johnson still ranks second on the team in catches (25) and receiving yards (352) this season, just behind tight end Owen Daniels (27, 355).
Even without Johnson and Casey, the Texans racked up 518 yards of offense against the Titans. Matt Schaub threw for 296 yards, completed passes to seven different receivers and had the highest passer rating of his career (147.7).
"Are we excited to get those guys back? You bet, because I think it does make us tougher to defend," Kubiak said. "We do have a lot of options and the versatility of James in what we do and knowing how people play Andre -- yeah, you want those two guys back on the field. Hopefully, they're back there this week."
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