With a match up against the Detroit Lions and Calvin Johnson quickly approaching on Thanksgiving day, the Houston Texans could greatly use the services of cornerback Jonathan Joseph in trying to slow the Lions’ passing attack.
According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, Joseph could be headed toward being a game-time decision for the Texans.
Joseph suffered a strained hamstring in the Texans’ 43-37 overtime victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Joseph had an MRI on his hamstring Monday. Per McClain, head coach Gary Kubiak said it wasn’t particularly serious.
“He’s got a strain, but it’s a slight strain,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “It’s just how he reacts to it. He’s feeling pretty good today. We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.”
Although it appears to be a relatively minor injury, Joseph could have trouble making back in time for the game given the short week. Joseph has not been able to return to practice yet this week.
The Lions have the top-ranked passing offense in the league as Detroit is throwing for 301.8 yards per game. The Texans allowed Chad Henne and the Jacksonville Jaguars to throw for 354 yards and four touchdowns with Joseph on the field last week. If Joseph is unable to play Thursday, the Texans could find themselves struggling again to contain an opposing passing attack.
Linebacker Tim Dobbins (shoulder), receiver DeVier Posey (knee, hamstring) and running back Ben Tate (hamstring) also missed practice for the Texans on Tuesday.