Archives for October 30, 2009

‘Safety Bryan Scott is doubtful with an ankle injury, while Chris Kelsay (back) and cornerback Terrence McGee (knee) are both probable.’

‘Our coaches do a good job of preparing us, the starters as well as the backups. The coach in charge of my position (the defensive backs coach), George Catavolos, has always preached to us we have to prepare like we’re the starter. Even if we’re not the starter, to prepare like we’re going to be the starter. Because in this league you’re one play away from an opportunity you’ve been waiting for your entire lifetime. And you’re one play away from having a career-ending injury, so you have to make the most of every opportunity.’

‘With rookie tight end Shawn Nelson out, Buffalo will enter Sunday’s game with just two healthy tight ends for the second straight week. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will be further restricted formationally in the run game with fullback Corey McIntyre also out.’

‘With Trent sitting down again this week the extra rest certainly isn’t going to hurt his condition coming off his second concussion in one year. But he’ll also have that extra time to sit back and watch and maybe see some things that he didn’t see when he was out on the field. He’ll also be able to get his mental preparation back up to speed, not in terms of getting a game plan straight, but more in getting his own game back and being mentally focused on being the player we all hoped he would be this season. Ultimately, it could be a good thing for him.’

‘"It’s taken some getting used to," Jackson said. "It’s not too challenging from the standpoint of sharing touches because that was expected once Marshawn came back. But it’s hard to get into a rhythm when you’re not getting the touches. It’s just a matter of trying to get in a groove while I am out there with the touches I am getting."’

‘"I can’t remember a year when there’s been such a disparity between the top-echelon teams and the lower rung," Tony Sinisi, odds director for Las Vegas Consultants, said by telephone earlier this week. "It’s uncharted waters for us as lines-makers to have such a huge difference, a huge gap."’

‘"I play a lot with our rotation anyway, so the only difference is I’ll be starting now," he said after Thursday’s practice. "It’s always better to have everybody at full strength, but with Kyle down it’s my time to step up, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity."’

‘Jauron is 6-19 against teams that had a winning record the week they faced the Bills.’

‘"We’ve had some gaffes," April said. "Huge gaffes. But our whole focus every day, whether we’ve had gaffes or good plays, is to always improve. That’s been our mantra and we’ve been able to do it."’

‘Matt Schaub will be a bit more of a test for the Bills secondary than Mark Sanchez and Jake DelHomme, but Schaub needs to watch out because guys like Byrd will be looking for that 15 yard out to Walter all day long and that’s another pick 6 waiting to happen.’

Schaub unseasonably cool come rain or shine (Houston Chronicle)

Texans notes (Houston Chronicle)

This Byrd isn’t dropping anything (Houston Examiner)

Texans RB Slaton struggling with ball security (AP)

Texans LB Cushing misses practice again (The Sports Network)

Schaub on pace for historic Season (HoustonTexans.com)

Practice quotes: Thursday (HoustonTexans.com)

Secondary shining (HoustonTexans.com)

Johnson returns to practice (HoustonTexans.com)

Week 8 fantasy picks (HoustonTexans.com)

‘"I’m honored," said Byrd, who has started the last four games. "I couldn’t have done it without everybody, the coaches, my teammates. They’ve helped me, they’ve shown me tough love. It’s just a total family effort."’