Domanick Davis is a go.
Texans head coach Dom Capers said the team's starting running back would see his first action of the preseason Friday at Denver. Davis has been battling ankle injuries throughout training camp. Capers said he will play "two or three series."
"We had a normal game week practice schedule so we were able to get him the work we thought we needed to get him," Capers said Wednesday afternoon.
Several other Texans will not make the trip to Denver, instead staying at Reliant Park to rehab and strengthen up.
Defensive tackle internal-link-placeholder-0 will stay at home. Payne, who is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, has been practicing on a regular basis for about a week.
Defensive end internal-link-placeholder-0 will also not make the trip.
Defensive tackle Junior Ioane will play in the game, his first of the preseason.
"Looking at the teams were playing I just felt it was better to wait until next week," Capers said of Payne. "He could play. Seth would like to play. But I think it's better to get him ready to play next week."
Starters will play the entire first half against the Broncos, perhaps into the third quarter. Running back Tony Hollings, who has started with the first team in Davis' absence, will play, but has been held out of contact drills this week with bruised ribs.
Capers said linebackers Jason Babin and Antwan Peek and offensive lineman Fred Weary have practiced on a limited basis and will be game time decisions.
Linebacker Marcus Bell (strained shoulder), cornerback Vontez Duff (rotator cuff) and safety internal-link-placeholder-2 are also staying home to rehab.
