Houston Texans Strategy and Personnel
by Sports Xchange
--LB Marcus Richardson was waived to make space on the roster for Cliff Washburn.
--RB Ahman Green tweaked his groin during the first play of the team's opening preseason game. His status this week is unknown.
--RB Chris Taylor had to leave the game against the Saints early on Saturday because of cramping. He received IVs and was feeling better. He will be available this week.
--WR Andre Johnson is not yet rejoining practice because of a strained groin. He may be able to see limited time against the Cowboys on Friday night.
BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Anthony Weaver vs. Earl Cochran for DLE spot -- The Texans have an intense battle going on at left end. Weaver has been the starter the past two seasons for the Texans, but he lacks the speed to provide a significant boost in the pass rush and his run defense isn't where it used to be. Cochran is considered one of the hardest workers on the team; he has fought for a roster spot each season. He has played sparingly with the first team in the past two preseason games, but spent quite a bit of practice time with them. The edge still goes to Weaver at this point, but Cochran is making a good push.
OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Jacoby Jones is competing for the No. 4 receiver position with David Anderson. Jones has struggled in the preseason, especially in securing the ball on punt returns. He and Alex Brink made a mistake on a reverse as well in the second preseason game. Anderson is making few mistakes and has the edge on Jones at this point. ... Jacques Reeves is fighting to keep a hold on the starting job at cornerback. Rookie Antwaun Molden is back from an injury and will likely push Reeves, who had some up-and-down moments in the second preseason game.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: QB Matt Schaub -- Schaub couldn't have had a much better outing in the second preseason game. He completed 14 of 16 passes for 187 yards and threw two touchdowns. With the running game struggling, Schaub found the most open receivers and got rid of the ball fast. His decision-making was exceptional.
ROOKIE REPORT: Rookie RB Steve Slaton led the Texans with 57 rushing yards on 13 carries in his first preseason game. He played mostly the fourth quarter. ... CB Antwaun Molden saw action in his first preseason game. He finished tied for third with three tackles. ... LT Duane Brown played solidly in his first NFL action. He played the entire first half and didn't give up a sack. The entire offensive line struggled to open holes in the running game.
INJURY REPORT: WR Andre Johnson did not play in either of the first two preseason games as he continues recovering from a strained groin. He may see a little action against the Cowboys Friday night.
--OT Ephraim Salaam will miss two to three more weeks with a knee scope. He should be back by the start of the season and will resume his role as the swing tackle.
--RB Ahman Green tweaked his groin during the first play of the team's opening preseason game. His status this week is unknown. He didn't play against the Saints.
--OG Fred Weary was placed on injured reserve because of lingering problems with his right leg. Weary broke the leg on Dec. 2 last season and had offseason surgery. "It's tough," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's well thought of around here. He's been a warrior for this organization. We were all hoping that by this time, he would be in a position to compete, and he hasn't been able to. Very difficult injury."
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