The Texans feared they’d be without tight end Owen Daniels for a while because of a fibula injury suffered on Sunday night and their fears have been realized.
John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that Daniels will miss the next 4-8 weeks after being diagnosed with a fractured fibula. The exact timeline will be determined by how quickly the fracture heals, something that can happen in a couple of weeks but, per McClain, the role Daniels plays in the offense will require at least a month on the shelf.
That would be the best-case scenario for the Texans, who don’t need any further offensive difficulties beyond the rapidly diminishing output of quarterback Matt Schaub right now. Daniels is an important piece of the passing game -- 24 catches for 252 yards and three touchdowns so far this year -- and the team runs a lot of two tight end formations.
Garrett Graham, who has three touchdown catches as well this year, will take on a more prominent role with Daniels out of the lineup. Rookie Ryan Griffin will move into Graham’s role as the team’s second tight end.