Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson has resumed practicing since an early-camp groin injury, and isn’t known to have suffered any setbacks. But the organization is playing it cautiously with its 31-year-0ld, All-Pro skill-position player, deactivating Johnson for Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Panthers.
Per Nick Scurfield of the Texans’ website, impressive rookie Keshawn Martin will start in Johnson’s place. Martin appears to have passed spring sensation Lestar Jean on the depth chart.
Among Houston’s other notable inactives are linebacker Brian Cushing (virus) and defensive end J.J. Watt (elbow dislocation). Cushing, like Johnson, should be fine. Watt is due back by Week One.