The Texans have considered getting less experienced players into the mix Sunday against the Chicago Bears, but it's unlikely the rotation at any position will change very much. Coach Gary Kubiak said the main priority, however, is to win the game, so they won't play their young players a great amount of time.
The Texans will try to run the ball better than they did a week ago on offense. They will also try to get WR Andre Johnson more involved in the offense. Their main focus will be on being effective in the red zone, where they need to figure out a way to run the ball better.
PLAYER NOTES
--S Nick Ferguson (knee) is still day-to-day heading into the game. If he can play, he'll only be at 80 percent. If he can't play, Brandon Harrison will replace him.
--LB Xavier Adibi (groin) is practicing on a limited basis and should be able to return to the starting lineup this week. He will be at about 85 percent.
--RB Steve Slaton ranks fifth in the NFL with 1,531 yards from scrimmage.
--TE Owen Daniels needs four receptions to move into second place in franchise history for career receptions. He trails WR Jabar Gaffney, who had 171 as a Texan from 2002-05.
--LB DeMeco Ryans needs just one more fumble recovery to establish a career high.
GAME PLAN: Offensively, the Texans will be going against a top 10 run defense in the Bears. They will still get the ball to RB Steve Slaton about 18-22 times to see if he can get a few first downs. If he can, it should open up opportunities in the passing game for Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter.
Defensively, the Texans will try to hold their ground on the line. They were bullied by the offensive line of the Oakland Raiders last week. They will also try to be aggressive and get more turnovers. But the main focus will be on simply tackling better in the running game and passing game to help them avoid giving up big yardage plays.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Texans WR Kevin Walter vs. Bears CB Nathan Vasher. The Bears' statistics don't make them seem like a very solid team against the pass, but their defense steps up when it needs to. Walter has been nearly nonexistent on the field since his 146-yard outing three weeks ago. Since then, he has just 25 yards and four catches with no touchdowns. The Texans will try to get their passing game back on track this week.
Bears RB Matt Forte vs. Texans LB DeMeco Ryans. The Texans won't have a chance to win if they let Forte go crazy on the field. Ryans is healthier than earlier in the season and playing well, but he will need help from the linemen in front of him in order to contain Forte. Travis Johnson and Amobi Okoye will be counted on to shore up the middle.
INJURY IMPACT: S Nick Ferguson (knee) is still day-to-day heading into the game. If he can play, he'll only be at 80 percent. If he can't play, Brandon Harrison will replace him.
--LB Xavier Adibi (groin) is practicing on a limited basis and should be able to return to the starting lineup this week. He will be at about 85 percent.
