The Texans should be able to keep their defensive unit intact from a week ago. CB Jacques Reeves played well in the season opener, meaning his job remains safe for now. The defensive line could have to go without tackle Travis Johnson (ankle, knee) but after a week of rest it looks like Johnson will be able to go.

PLAYER NOTES

--RB Ahman Green (ankle) is still not practicing. He is not expected to play this week, and could miss a few games.

--DT Travis Johnson (knee) participated in some of practice Wednesday and will likely be able to start. He should be at about 75 percent. If he cannot start, Jeff Zgonina will likely start in his place.

--TE Mark Bruener (hamstring) is not expected to play this week.

--LT Ephraim Salaam (knee) was limited in practice, but that's just so the coaches don't risk him getting hurt. He is the main backup on game days to Eric Winston and Duane Brown.

--RB Steve Slaton is slated to make his first start in the NFL. He will have to run against the second-best run defense in the league.

GAME PLAN: The Texans' priority on offense will clearly be to try to establish a running game. The Texans had only 25 rushing yards prior to the Steelers putting their backups in during the fourth quarter. With Ahman Green nursing a sprained ankle, the Texans will have to lean on less-experienced backs in Steve Slaton and Chris Taylor to shoulder the load. The backs will have to take advantage of whatever space the offensive line can make for them, but it won't be easy since the Titans rank second in the league in run defense.

Defensively, the Texans will try to harass Kerry Collins, who has been solid so far this season. Since he isn't as mobile as Vince Young, the Texans will try to hurry him and throw him off rhythm. The Texans hope their pass rush is more effective than in the opener, and that other players take advantage of opportunities on the defensive line when the offense is focusing in on Mario Williams.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Titans RB Chris Johnson vs. Texans DT Travis Johnson. Travis Johnson is supposed to be one of the team's main run stoppers, but how well he'll be able to play is in question this week as he nurses a sprained knee and sprained ankle. It doesn't help that his home was also basically destroyed last week during Hurricane Ike. Johnson has a tough task ahead though. Chris Johnson is building confidence as he comes off his first 100-yard game. Travis Johnson must be on top of his game to keep up with Chris Johnson's elusiveness.

--Texans WR Andre Johnson vs. Titans CB Cortland Finnegan. Johnson is the strength of the Texans offense and even when defenses put multiple defenders on him, the Texans still go his way. He has a knack for making plays, but so does Finnegan. QB Matt Schaub will have to be careful not to force throws to Johnson or Finnegan will snatch them away. Last season, Johnson opened the year with back-to-back 100-yard games. The Texans hope he can do it again.

INJURY IMPACT: RB Ahman Green (ankle) is still not practicing. He is not expected to play this week.

--DT Travis Johnson (knee) participated in some of practice Wednesday and will likely be able to start. He should be at about 75 percent. If he cannot start, Jeff Zgonina will likely start in his place.

--TE Mark Bruener (hamstring) suffered the injury in practice last week. He isn't practicing and he likely won't play Sunday.

--LT Ephraim Salaam (knee) was limited in practice, but that's just so the coaches don't risk him getting hurt. He is the main backup on game days to Eric Winston and Duane Brown.