Offensively, the Texans will give the bulk of plays to RB Steve Slaton. RB Ryan Moats will play at times to spell Slaton. LT Duane Brown will still alternate with Ephraim Salaam every third series.

PLAYER NOTES

--S Nick Ferguson (knee) practiced Thursday with the team and is expected to return to his starting role. That will be a big boost to the Texans secondary.

--DE Jesse Nading (knee) started practicing Thursday. The Texans are hopeful he can play. He will be a game-time decision though.

--WR Andre Johnson can extend his own team record of five games with 100-plus yards in a game. He has done it four times in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

--QB Matt Schaub could establish a team record for most passing yards in two consecutive games with 225. He would then break David Carr's record of 638 yards in 2004.

--RB Steve Slaton could become the first Texan to rush for 100 yards in three consecutive games.

GAME PLAN: The Texans will try to run the ball first off. When they have been able to do that, they've been most successful. Once they do that, it will open up some deep passes for them. QB Matt Schaub was on target for the most part last week in his return from his knee injury. The Texans hope he can keep it up this week.

Defensively, the Texans will try to stop the running game of the Titans. With the combination of speed and power that Chris Johnson and LenDale White bring, the defense knows it will have to play sound football and not leave any gaps open.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Texans WR Kevin Walter vs. Titans CB Nick Harper. With Andre Johnson matched up with Cortland Finnegan much of the time, Walter will likely spend a lot of time across from Nick Harper. Earlier this season, Walter had just four catches for 15 yards against the Titans, but that was before his season really took off. He has become a favorite target of Matt Schaub, and he's becoming tremendous in yards after the catch. The Texans will look to throw to him often.

Texans RB Steve Slaton vs. Titans LB Keith Bulluck. The Titans are already closely eyeing Steve Slaton -- the only running back to rush for 100 yards against their defense this season. Much of their game plan will be on shutting Slaton down. With back-to-back 100-yard outings, Slaton will likely struggle to become the first Texan to ever rush for 100 yards in three consecutive games. However, the Texans offensive line is playing very well right now and the unit is taking pride in what Slaton is doing. If they can open up a few little holes, Slaton could make them look very good Sunday.

INJURY IMPACT: S Nick Ferguson (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday. He will likely be able to return to his starting job this week.

--DE Jesse Nading (knee) missed practice Wednesday. He is still day-to-day and may not be able to play Sunday.

--LG Chester Pitts (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, but he will still likely start. The Texans will likely rest him Thursday as well.