The Texans re-signed inside linebacker Mister Alexander on Tuesday after placing inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton on injured reserve with a hip injury.
Tim Dobbins, who is ailing with a shoulder injury, or Barrett Ruud are expected to take Sharpton's starting spot at Mo linebacker next to Mike linebacker Bradie James.
Sharpton was hurt during Sunday's loss at Indianapolis. Alexander rejoins the team after being released on Oct. 31. The Houston native and former Florida State Seminole saw action in six games this season with five special teams tackles. He provides depth at a position that has now seen team captain Brian Cushing, Sharpton and offseason free agent acquisition Keyaron Fox go on IR. Linebackers coach Reggie Herring has been forced to play four different inside linebacker combinations this season because of the injuries.
"Reggie's had his hands full since Cush went out," head coach Gary Kubiak said on Tuesday. "It's been a little bit of a revolving door in there. But Reggie's done a hell of a job with the guys, and this week will be extremely important."
Sharpton came off the Physically Unable to Perform list on Nov. 17 after suffering a torn quadriceps tendon last season. He quickly made an impact on the Texans' defense, tallying seven tackles against Jacksonville in his first game back and six tackles and a fumble recovery five days later at Detroit on Thanksgiving.
"You feel bad for him because he's had some tough injuries," Kubiak said. "He's a fine young player. Health is the only thing that's held him back. He's very capable of playing a long time and playing at a high level if he can stay in one piece."
A 2010 fourth-round draft pick from Miami (Fla.), Sharpton had 27 tackles, one interception and two passes defensed in seven games this season.
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