Head coach Gary Kubiak announced Thursday that Dunta Robinson will start at cornerback in base defense. Robinson said he most likely will play on the right side. Fred Bennett and Jacques Reeves are competing for the starting position on the opposite side. To read more, click here.
Offense prepares for Rogers: The Texans have a lot to prepare for when it comes to Browns defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. The 6-5, 360-pound Pro Bowler was signed by Cleveland in the offseason to shore up its interior line against the run. Rogers has been doing that and much more this season.
"Shaun is as good as there is in this league," quarterback Sage Rosenfels said. "Not only just on run plays, usually guys as big as him just play on run plays, he plays first down through third down and when his motors running, he's very, very impressive.
"He's a load up there. For how big he is, he's got some pass rush type stuff. He doesn't just stand there like some guys that are as big as he is. He can do it all. He's an amazing, amazing player."
This season, Rogers has recorded 53 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He's been getting to the quarterback and stuffing the run, which could present problems for the Texans' offense.
"Obviously, one, his size, and not only his size, a guy that big can still move," running back Ahman Green said. "As a runner, we basically want to run away from that, to run away from him.
"In terms of the passing game, our offensive line has to be ready because, like I said, he's a big guy but he's still quick. He can get around blocks very well."
The Browns run a 3-4 defense and Rogers has transitioned seamlessly into their scheme after playing in a 4-3 in Detroit.
"He's getting used to it and he's doing wonders," said center Chris Myers, who played against Rogers last year. "He's making plays week in and week out. It just proves to you his talent and his versatility, being able to go from defense to defense and still produce."
Left tackle Duane Brown acknowledged that the Texans have struggled on the ground this year against 3-4 teams but said the team won't shy away from running the ball at Cleveland.
"The 3-4 posses different matchup problems for you, especially with these guys because they have Shaun Rodgers in the middle who is a massive man," he said. "He makes it hard for you in the run game. There are different ways you can block them, and if you can find seams, it can really open up for us, but I think the 4-3 defense is probably an easier defense to run against."
{QUOTE}Quinn's broken finger changes little for Texans: Browns quarterback Brady Quinn broke his right index finger during Cleveland's Monday night win over the Buffalo Bills. Despite the injury, Quinn plans to play Sunday against the Texans.
Quinn did not learn about the injury until X-rays were taken after Wednesday's practice. On Thursday, he was listed in the official injury report as having had "full participation" in practice.
The Texans said they would not alter their game plan based on Quinn's injury.
"If he's going to play, then I assume he can do everything," Kubiak said. "So, it won't change anything."
Two weeks ago, Quinn took over as starting quarterback for Derek Anderson. Kubiak said both quarterbacks run a similar offense.
"They've done the same things," Kubiak said. "Plus, they put (Joshua) Cribbs back there and do the Wildcat formation. It's a lot like, from that standpoint, preparing for Miami for us."
Injury notes: Wide receiver André Davis practiced with the Texans this week for the first time since undergoing finger surgery in October. Kubiak took Davis aside and threw passes to him at the beginning of practice. The coach said he thought Davis looked probable for Sunday.
"I think we'll continue to work tomorrow and watch him, but I personally went over and threw him about 25 or 30 balls all over the place," Kubiak said. "He probably thought I was crazy and what was I doing over there, but I was just testing him out and I was impressed. I think he'll be fine. As long as he tells me, 'Hey coach, I'm fine,' then he'll go."
Chester Pitts (calf) did not practice for a second consecutive day.
For the official injury report, click here.
