Cushing wants to return for 10th season
For nearly a decade, veteran linebacker Brian Cushing has delivered a hard-hitting, emotional presence in the middle of the Texans’ defense.
Since returning from a 10game suspension for violating the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy, Cushing has shifted to outside linebacker and has recorded a dozen tackles and 1½ sacks in three starts.
Whether the 30-year-old former Pro Bowl selection and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year will be back for a 10th season remains a fluid situation. He’s under contract for the next two seasons with nonguaranteed base salaries of $7.25 million and $8.25 million.
Whether it’s with the Texans, which is his preference, or elsewhere, Cushing believes he’s far from done.
“Yeah, I’m getting up there, too, but, at the same time, I’d like to continue playing,” Cushing said. “The passion, fire, desire is all still there, so, definitely. You do reflect and look on it every year, especially as you get older.”
The Texans are well-stocked with good, young inside linebackers in Benardrick McKinney, Zach Cunningham and Dylan Cole.
Cushing isn’t certain if he’ll be back, but he’s hopeful.
“Does anyone know their future with their job next year?” Cushing said. “No, and that’s any profession.
“I’d love to continue to play football. That’s not up to me. We’ll see.”
Star receiver upset to see streak ending
Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is disappointed a calf injury will sideline him Sunday, when he’ll miss the first game of his NFL career.
“Kind of upset because I’m not playing this week,” Hopkins said. “This is my first game since I’ve been playing football, since I’ve been in the NFL, that I’m going to miss. Pretty upset about that.
“I asked if I could go out there and just do a pushup on the first play, just so I could have continue my record.”
Hopkins leads the NFL with 13 touchdown catches and has played in 79 consecutive games. He has 96 receptions for 1,378 yards.
“Very proud,” Hopkins said. “I don’t know too many players who can say they haven’t missed a game since they’ve been playing in the NFL. I take that seriously, because I take care of my body.”
The Texans will start Braxton Miller opposite Will Fuller with Chris Thompson and Cobi Hamilton filling in behind them.
“When you lose a player like Hop, it’s tough because obviously his production has been at a great level this year,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “Those guys will step up.”
End not yet in sight for optimistic Lechler
One of punter Shane Lechler’s best seasons is coming to an end. But he doesn’t intend for this to be the end of his career.
The seven-time Pro Bowl selection intends to return for a 19th NFL season. He’s averaging 48.9 yards per punt with a 41.5 net average.
“Is this my last year? No, it’s not,” Lechler said. “I have too much I think to offer to the game, and I hit the ball good consistently this year. There’s no way I would walk away with the talent in this room. I’m very excited about next year, and I’m looking forward to it. The future is bright.”
The former Texas A&M standout is still chasing an elusive Super Bowl victory.
“I want a Super Bowl ring bad,” Lechler said. “If I get one of those, I’m not sure what I would do.”
Clowney still chasing 10th sack of season
Pro Bowl outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney has chased down quarterbacks and running backs all season. But his pursuit of a 10th sack this season has been elusive.
Despite being the focal point of blocking schemes with J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus out for the season, Clowney has a career-high nine sacks and 21 tackles for losses entering Sunday. His last sack came four games ago against the Baltimore Ravens, but he has 20 quarterback hits.
“I’m getting after the quarterback every game,” Clowney said. “The sacks are going to come. They say they come in bunches, so maybe I’ll get started this game and just keep rolling.”
Hopkins, Davenport fined by the league
The NFL fined Texans star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins $6,000 for throwing the football into the stands.
Hopkins plans to appeal the punishment, which stems from him tossing the football to fans following an acrobatic touchdown catch Monday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rookie offensive tackle Julién Davenport was fined $9,115 by the NFL for a facemask violation against the Steelers. He plans to appeal.
Corner Jackson set to play Sunday
Kareem Jackson, who was sidelined Thursday, returned to practice on a limited basis and is set to play Sunday.
The Texans officially ruled out wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (calf ), offensive tackle Jeff Allen (concussion) and kick returner Jordan Todman (shoulder) on Friday for the final game of the season.