The Texans will also go with a new long snapper now that Bryan Pittman has been suspended for the final four games of the season for violating the team's steroid policy. The Texans will go instead with Clark Harris, who has yet to dress for an NFL game. He has been on the team's practice squad for the past few weeks working solely on his snapping. The team was preparing for such a decision to be handed down.

PLAYER NOTES

--DE Anthony Weaver (knee) didn't practice again Thursday. He is day-to-day this week.

--TE Clark Harris will take over the long-snapping duties this week. It is the first time he will be on an active roster.

--LS Bryan Pittman has been suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league's steroid policy.

--QB Matt Schaub (knee) is slated to start this week against the Packers. He has missed his last four starts.

--RB Steve Slaton earned AFC Player of the Week honors.

GAME PLAN: With QB Matt Schaub making his first start in a month, the Texans ideally will run the ball often. Temperatures are supposed to be around 12-20 degrees, which means the game will likely be the coldest one the franchise has ever played in. The Packers have been terrible against the run this season, giving up an average of more than 140 rushing yards per game. The Texans will rely heavily on rookie RB Steve Slaton, who rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns on Monday Night Football.

The defense will try to keep up its aggressiveness, but it won't be easy. The Packers offense is playing very well and can be very explosive if the defense allows it. The Texans will have to be careful not to be so aggressive that they put themselves out of the ballgame by allowing big plays from the Packers. Pressure will rest on the secondary, especially. They will have to try to contain Aaron Rodgers and his top targets in the passing game.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Texans WR Andre Johnson vs. Packers DB Charles Woodson: Johnson has been hard to stop this season, but Woodson is playing well too. Woodson already has five interceptions -- two of which he has returned for touchdowns. The Texans have a tendency to force throws to Johnson even in coverage, often resulting in interceptions. Johnson is good at making plays on the ball and keeping defenders from always making plays, but he will need help from his quarterbacks this week to keep Woodson from tacking on any more interceptions.

Texans DE Mario Williams vs. Packers LT Chad Clifton: Clifton, a nine-year veteran, has gone against many great defensive ends in this league. He will try to keep Williams off of Aaron Rodgers this week. Williams had three sacks against the Jaguars, but he does seem to play better in primetime than the team's regular noon Sunday slot. He is motivated to finish this season strong, however, and will try to build on the last performance. The coaches will move him around a little to try to free him up, but Clifton will face him the most often.

Packers DE Aaron Kampman vs. Texans RT Eric Winston: Kampman already has 9.5 sacks this season and he will try to get more against Winston, who is emerging as a solid right tackle in the league. Each week, Winston does have a couple of lapses, and the Texans will hope they don't come at moments when Kampman is rushing. Winston is very aware in pass protection and has been solid for much of the past two seasons for the team. He has quick feet and is adapting well in the zone-blocking scheme. Kampman is arguably his toughest test of the season so far though.

INJURY IMPACT: DE Anthony Weaver (knee) did not practice. He will be day-to-day throughout the week.

--QB Matt Schaub (knee) is expected to start this week. He participated in all of practice.