With a matchup at Cincinnati on the slate, both of the Texans’ starting outside linebackers are on the Week Six injury report.
Rookie strong-side linebacker Brian Cushing, the club’s leading tackler, needed an MRI on his foot Thursday and missed practice. Weak-side linebacker Zach Diles, a new addition to the injury report, had “limited” participation Thursday due to an in-practice injury.
“We’re expecting him to play,” coach Gary Kubiak said of Cushing after the workout. “I think he’ll be alright,” Kubiak added of Diles.
Still, the injuries are concerning for a Texans defense that has surrendered more rushing touchdowns and a higher yards-per-carry average than anyone in the league.
On Sunday, Houston will try to stop NFL rushing leader Cedric Benson (for real). In Week 5, Benson became the first back in 40 games to top 100 rushing yards against the Ravens.