When Williams stood up and came through the middle to rush Kerry Collins last week, it was effective in forcing Collins to get rid of the ball quickly and force throws that weren't there. The Texans will try to do the same again this week against David Garrard.

PLAYER NOTES

--TE Joel Dreessen is playing a significantly larger role with Mark Bruener sidelined. The Texans use him mostly in blocking situations, but he has shown he is capable of catching the ball.

--LS Bryan Pittman is under pressure these days. Coach Gary Kubiak said he has not snapped well for a month, and that it is critical he gets back on track. He will be scrutinized throughout the game Sunday and there is a threat he will lose his job.

GAME PLAN: Defensively, the Texans will try to take advantage of an offensive line weakened by injuries. They will move DE Mario Williams around on defense, even lining him up at linebacker to rush straight up the middle. The Texans will try to get pressure from all angles on David Garrard, who has already been sacked nine times.

Offensively, the Texans will try to run the ball and eat some clock up. Steve Slaton will get his second start after rushing for 116 yards in Week 3. The offense will focus on better pass protection for Matt Schaub, while the game plan won't change a lot. The key is for the offense to execute, drop less passes and make fewer mistakes.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Texans QB Matt Schaub vs. Jaguars DE Reggie Hayward. The veteran end will be lining up against rookie LT Duane Brown, and targeting a quarterback who has been under fire since the season started. Schaub has already been sacked eight times and hit a number of other times. The key to rattling Schaub will be simply rushing him -- something other teams haven't had a hard time doing.

Texans RB Steve Slaton vs. Jaguars MLB Mike Peterson. Slaton had a great first start against a good run defense. Now, he must prove he can provide similar results week after week. The Texans are more than pleased to see he can carry a load, but he has to be consistent. Peterson is a good tackler, who will do all he can to keep Slaton out of the secondary and prevent him from making any big runs. Slaton is best at bouncing off of defenders and getting outside. Jacksonville will surely be ready for that though. Slaton will also be expected to take the bulk of carries.

INJURY IMPACT:

--RB Ahman Green (ankle) took part in more of practice Thursday. He even took a few hits. The coaches are waiting to see how his ankle reacts to the practice to decide if he will dress for Sunday's game.

--DT Travis Johnson (ankle, knee) is still day-to-day. He participated in portions of practice Thursday, and the coaches will watch film of Friday practice to see if he might contribute.

--TE Mark Bruener (hamstring) participated in a limited number of snaps in practice Thursday. It seems unlikely he will play this week.

--S Brandon Harrison (shoulder) didn't practice Thursday and is not expected to play Friday.