Offensively, the Texans will plan to go back to having Matt Schaub at quarterback. He missed last week because of a viral infection. They also plan to stick with the combination of Steve Slaton and Ahman Green at running back with Slaton getting the starting nod.

PLAYER PERSONNEL NOTES

--RB Ryan Moats was signed to the practice squad.

--QB Alex Brink was signed to the practice squad. The coaches got worried last week when Matt Schaub couldn't play and they didn't have a healthy backup to Sage Rosenfels.

GAME PLAN: Offensively, it's critical that the Texans run the ball. It's not going to be easy though. The Dolphins rank seventh in the league in run defense. The Texans not only need a balanced offensive attack to improve their chances of winning, they need to run the ball simply to run down the clock and keep the Dolphins offense off the field. The Dolphins have their best success when they are running the ball and leading in time of possession.

Defensively, the Texans must put together their best run defense of the season. They have got to be prepared for the direct snaps Ronnie Brown may take, and they must swarm the ball and make their tackles. The Texans defense not only needs to eliminate big runs, but they need to make some big plays. Forced fumbles have been few and far between. That could mean the difference in winning and losing this week.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Texans RB Steve Slaton vs. Dolphins run defense. Steve Slaton has proven strong in his first three starts, but he faces a big task this week against the Dolphins. He may be as key in the receiving game as the running game. He must continue to slip past tacklers in the middle, and bounce outside and into open space when he can.

QB Matt Schaub vs. Dolphins pass defense. The Dolphins have been solid in getting at opposing quarterbacks -- recording 12 sacks in their first four games. Schaub wasn't sacked once in his last start. Part of that had to do an improvement in the offensive line, especially with LT Duane Brown. And part of it had to do with Schaub making quicker decisions and getting rid of the ball fast. The Texans will rely on both of those aspects again.

INJURY IMPACT:

--FS Will Demps (hamstring) did return to practice this week. The coaches are optimistic that he will play.

--LB Xavier Adibi (illness) is having problems spending much time on the practice field because he is battling an unknown illness. He has had trouble holding food down and keeping up his weight.

--S Dominique Barber (hamstring) may not play this week. He was held out of practice Wednesday.

--RB Chris Taylor (quad) was held out of practice Wednesday. He missed the game Sunday and will not likely be back again.

--TE Mark Bruener (hamstring) did not practice again. He will likely be unavailable this week.