TEXANS GM ON LEAVE

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith says he will take an immediate extended leave of absence to help his wife battle breast cancer.

Smith made the announcement in a statement less than an hour after the Texans finished their season with a 22-13 loss Sunday at Indianapolis.

Houston (4-12) lost its final six games of the season and nine of its last 10, prompting speculation there may be a shake-up in the front office, on the coaching staff or both.

Smith called the decision “extremely difficult” and acknowledged he still wants to bring Houston a championship.