Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is recovering well from surgery on his kidney and gallblader.
“Wade Phillips continues to improve from his surgery. His condition has been upgraded to good. Again, the family requests privacy and no further information will be released at this time,” the Texans said in a statement.
Phillips is expected to return to the team for good before Houston’s Week 17 game. In the meantime, linebackers coach Reggie Herring will take on a challenging Panthers team Sunday.
“I’ve been raised under Wade for the last four years,” said Herring via the Houston Chronicle. “I’ve studied him. We think a lot alike. I’m not Wade Phillips, but it’s Wade Phillips’ system, his defense. It’s our calls. It’s what the players know. We have confidence.”
The Texans have passed every possible test so far. This is another big one. They just celebrated the team’s first division title, and need to get back up for a game against a dangerous opponent.