Houston Texans – Thursday Player Status

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle expects Andre Johnson (hamstring, out) to play in Week 17 against the Titans. It sounds like it’d be a tuneup kind of appearance, getting Johnson “ready for his first playoff appearance.” Johnson insists he could play in Week 16 if the Texans allowed him, but they’re shutting him down for one more week.

Texans’ Andre Johnson status ‘questionable’ as of Friday morning

Texans receiver Andre Johnson did not practice again on Thursday, and continued to do exercises in the pool.  Last week against the Falcons, Johnson pulled his left hamstring and left the game.  He missed 6 games earlier in the season due to a torn right hamstring.  

Houston Texas – Injury Report

Matt Schaub – suffered what coach Gary Kubiak described Monday as a “significant” right foot injury against the Buccaneers and already has been ruled out for the team’s next game. Matt Schaub’s second opinion from Dr. Robert Anderson next week will reveal that Schaub needs surgery to repair his right Lisfranc joint. Schaub figures to be placed on season-ending injured reserve just as the Texans emerge from their Week 11 bye.

Texans declared WR Andre Johnson, QB T.J. Yates, CB Sherrick McManis, FS Danieal Manning, OG Thomas Austin, OT Andrew Gardner, and TE Garrett Graham inactive for Week 10 against the Bucs.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Houston Texans (-3.5) 10/2/2011 1pm EST

This week’s pick is the Houston Texans (-3).

Three hours until kickoff, data feeds:

Betting public is 60% PITTSBURGH (+3.5)

Betting public is 40% HOUSTON (-3.5)

Betting public is 94% PITTSBURGH on money line

Betting public is 6% HOUSTON on money line

Money line betting percentages suggest Vegas bookmakers are accepting risk on Houston Moneyline.

Expect the Houston Texans defense to control the line of scrimmage.  Pittsburgh has lost 3 starting offensive lineman to injury, RT Willie Colon, LT Johnathan Scott, and RG Doug Legursky.