PREPARING FOR PITTSBURGH:With two new running backs – Adam Matthews and KaRon Coleman – figuring to get plenty of playing time Saturday, Texans head coach Dom Capers isn't taking any chances.
Coleman and Matthews got the majority of snaps Wednesday, with Domanick Davis and Jonathan Wells sidelined with injury.
"We will keep it simple," Capers said after practice. "Number one is we want to try to keep it simple because we want to play fast and execute. Number two because we have two running backs that have had very few practices."
The Texans shutout the Dallas Cowboys Aug. 14 with little scouting or game planning. A little more attention will be paid to the Steelers and their 3-4 defense.
Houston will see a similar defense on opening day against the San Diego Chargers.
Capers said he looks forward to making a road trip and all the associated challenges. Veterans will play about two series Saturday before giving way to the rookies.
"Normally the veterans handle it, they've been there before but for some of the rookies it's brand new to them," he said. "It will be a good test for us because of the style that they play and to see how we handle their pressure package and the things that they do. I'm glad we're playing a 3-4 defense this week because the last two defenses we play will be a 4-3 and we open up against a 3-4.
QUOTABLE:Texans defensive end Gary Walker on rookie linebackers: "They're learning on the go. Babin didn't have the luxury of sitting back and waiting, they threw him into the fire. He's had a great camp; him and (Antwan Peek)."
HIGHLIGHTS:The Texans ran a variation of the two-minute drill with crowd noise Wednesday afternoon. The first and second-team offenses were given 40 seconds with the ball on their opponents 42-yard line.
Quarterback David Carr went 2-for-4 with a touchdown to wide receiver Derick Armstrong. Carr also scrambled for a 20-yard gain.
Tony Banks started out hot against the first-team defense; completing three of his first four passes, but the defense forced four incompletions in a row to stall the drive without a score.
INJURY REPORT:One Texan who will get his first chance at game action Saturday against the Steelers will be Zach Wiegert. Wiegert will start the game.
Davis sat out practice Wednesday with puffiness in his ankle. Capers said Davis is running well straight ahead but has difficulties making cuts.
"He's making progress," Capers said. "I would say he'll be doubtful for this week but hopefully he'll be able to get a few practices in next week and hopefully we'll see him some in the Denver game."
Defensive tackle internal-link-placeholder-0 will not play against the Steelers.
