The Texans take on the Cleveland Browns and former teammate Ben Tate this Sunday at First Energy Field.
Several of the players expect some colorful conversations leading up the Week 11 matchup.
"I'm pretty sure he'll be talking a lot of trash," Andre Johnson said, smiling. "No doubt in my mind about that. It'll be fun to see him."
The 26-year-old Tate is the veteran among a three-back tandem for the Browns, which also includes Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell. After missing two games this season with a knee sprain in September, Tate has scored four touchdowns in six games in his first season with Cleveland.
Tate and the Texans parted ways following the 2013 season when he became a free agent. After four seasons in Houston, he'll see his teammates again on Sunday on the opposing sideline.
"Obviously, he's facing his former team and he knows several guys on this team," Johnathan Joseph said Monday. He's been playing with us the last few years. It'll be a great deal to go up against a guy like Ben, but it's all business for us."
Tate, second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, led Houston in rushing last season with 181 carrries for 771 yards and four touchdowns last season. He took over as the starting running back when Arian Foster was placed on injured reserve with a back injury. After a three-touchdown performance against New England in Week 13, Tate also landed on IR two weeks later with broken ribs.
"It's going to be a good challenge," D.J. Swearinger said. "Going up against Ben, you know an old teammate. We're ready for him."
The (4-5) Texans and (6-3) Browns kick off their Sunday matchup at 12 p.m. on CBS KHOU-11 and SportsRadio 610.
