Cushing Has [Minor] Knee Injury - Sprain, Should Be Okay for Week 1

nunusguy · #1 09-02-2009, 08:03 AM

Cushing, who suffered a sprained knee three weeks ago, might not play in Friday's preseason game at Tampa, meaning the first time he steps onto the field in an NFL game could be the Sept. 13 season opener against the Jets.
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“We'll have to see what happens,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “To think that a guy like that could start on opening day and play 70 plays is pretty farfetched, but I think this kid is capable of going in there and helping us be successful that day so we've just got to go about it the right way.”
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/6598250.html
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I'm with the Chrons Solomom on this one, lets just ease him into the lineup and not worry about cramming-in some kind of "dry-run" in the exhibition season if he's not ready. My real concern is that he is reinjured on his initial return to action and just doesn't regain form and sputters all year without making a substantial contribution to the D.
If we have to wait to even mid-year then do it though I know Kubiak is already feeling lots of pressure.

Nconroe · #2 09-02-2009, 10:28 AM

I think they plan to let him practice today and tomorrow, and then decide when he's ready, but for sure err on the side of caution, long term.

Mike · #3 09-02-2009, 11:12 AM

They are going to practice him in full pads to get in some work and take it from there. From Kubes presser yesterday, sounds like they are being cautious with him and that he is healthy enough to play.

I think Zac is going to move to the will. X has not impressed and Kubes sounded a bit down about his play. Cush probably not ready to take the full load of snaps for an entire game, so I imagine we will see a rotation with Zac splitting time at the will and sam.

Arky · #4 09-02-2009, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike

X has not impressed and Kubes sounded a bit down about his play.

Yep and if I'm reading between the lines correctly, Adibi is deeply in the doghouse. Sounded like it was mostly his error on the Mike Bell run and after being schooled on it in practice, he did basically the same thing on the Adrian Peterson run. Might take him a while to work his way out of the doghouse....

But back to Cushing, sounds like he's ready (even if the coaches aren't) and I hope they at least give him a taste against Tampa Bay...

nunusguy · #5 09-02-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike

I think Zac is going to move to the will. X has not impressed and Kubes sounded a bit down about his play.

The Houston Texans have informed Zac Diles that he has won the starting job at weakside linebacker, according to a league source.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/...inebacker.html

Mike · #6 09-14-2009, 10:06 AM

Hard to give out good grades or game balls for anyone after that performance, but IMO Cush played fine considering this was his fist live action in awhile. He seemed active and made some plays at the LOS. Glad to see they pulled him in the 4th when things were out of hand and give Bentley some reps.

Nconroe · #7 09-14-2009, 10:10 AM

Agree, Cushing seemed one of few who held up their position. He matched Demeco in team high sacks.

nunusguy · #8 09-14-2009, 10:43 AM

Let me get in line to congrat Cushing on his NFL debut. He played well.
Actually I think the whole defense played well. It was 10-0 at halftime and the TD came from a busted play, a rookie mistake which left the Jets WR wide-open in the EZ for an easy 6. And we were playing without half of our starting D backfield yesterday and Robinson just got to town this week.
And by the second half the defense was exausted after spending their whole first half on the field in the season-opener when condidtioning is an issue.
No this game was lost on the other side of the ball, in large part do to the inability of Kubiak and company to get somebody else in the game at QB with mobility to roll-out and avoid the pressure right up the middle.