Kevin Jairaj-USA Today Sports
The Houston Texans head to Qualcomm Stadium this week to face the San Diego Chargers Monday night at 9:15 pm (Central Time) on ESPN. Mike Kerns already wrote about 5 players who could shine in Week 1, and now here’s a few players that you probably won’t see at all Monday night.
Ed Reed had surgery on a torn labrum in his hip back in April, and he’s still in the recovery process. It was thought earlier this week that he could make his first start with the Texans in San Diego, but now head coach Gary Kubiak doesn’t seem so sure.
“He’s come a long way, guys,” Kubiak said. “But there’s some progress that would [still] have to be made as far getting him ready to go on Monday. I don’t want to say it can’t happen, because it’s been such good progress. We’ll see day-to-day right now.”
Reed “participated on a limited basis” in Thursday’s practice, and should be back in full pads Friday. But I’d say that Texans fans will instead see Shiloh Keo and D.J. Swearinger subbing for Reed on Monday.
Antonio Smith was suspended for two preseason games and the first regular season game for swinging a helmet at Miami Dolphins lineman Richie Incognito, so he will definitely not play in this game.
It looks like Jared Crick will get the start for Smith. Crick is terrific against the run, and added some weight in the offseason (and an awesome beard).
Darryl Sharpton may not play this week, as it’s just been revealed that he was diagnosed with a concussion after the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. He’s one of the NFL‘s biggest hitters at inside linebacker, and will be missed if he’s out for any amount of time. Luckily, he’s in a rotation with Joe Mays, who can hit people so hard that parts of their ears get knocked off.
The backup quarterback battle has been decided, and the spot has gone to T.J. Yates over college home-town favorite and my personal pick, Case Keenum. This decision hopefully doesn’t matter too much in the long run, however, as Matt Schaub will be the quarterback on the field barring some unforeseen injury.
Cierre Wood, who won the third string running back battle over my personal pick, Deji Karim, will also hopefully not been seen. Nothing against Wood, but if there’s a need for him to be on the field, it means that either Arian Foster or Ben Tate have been injured.
Cooper Welch is a Houston Texans writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @cooperwelch1991, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also listen to his Locker Room podcast on iTunes.
