Hoyer won’t suit up Sunday
Although Texans starting quarterback Brian Hoyer’s concussion symptoms have improved steadily since Monday night, he won’t play Sunday against the New York Jets, according to sources not authorized to speak publicly.
The Texans are optimistic Hoyer, 30, will return next week against the New Orleans Saints because of his daily progress. Backup quarterback T.J. Yates will start, Sunday and newly acquired quarterback Brandon Weeden will back him up.
Hoyer experienced memory loss after being sacked in the third quarter by Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko. Hoyer absorbed the initial hit and then landed on his head while being brought down to the turf at Paul Brown Stadium.
That led to the Texans claiming Weeden off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys.
“Brandon was a guy we had great reports on as a person, as a good teammate, good locker room guy, and so far what we see, that’s definitely the case,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s got a real good arm, so it was good to be able to get him.”
For Weeden, it has been a hectic few days since being cut by the Cowboys and arriving in Houston on Wednesday night.
“It’s been crazy,” Weeden said. “I got the call and was extremely excited. I didn’t get too much sleep. It’s been a whirlwind.”
Weeden is involved in a crash course on the playbook, an unfamiliar system in terms of terminology and personnel. He expressed confidence he could play and run a limited amount of plays Sunday, if needed.
“It’s challenging,” said Weeden, 32, a former Cleveland Browns firstround draft pick from Oklahoma State. “I’ve been in a few systems. I’ve never been in this one. It’s completely different from everything I’ve ever done.
“I got it and I laid there like, ‘Oh my God, what am I looking at?’ but it’s a good system. When you’ve got good players and a good staff, it’s a good recipe.”
Hopkins eager to take field
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins didn’t practice for the second consecutive day due to a knee injury, but is expected to play Sunday.
Hopkins worked out on the side Thursday and is improving daily. He played every snap against the Bengals, catching the game-winning touchdown pass Monday night.
“It’s not that a big of a deal,” Hopkins said of missing practice. “I’m 100 percent.”
The Texans are optimistic the Pro Bowl candidate will play Sunday. If Hopkins was sidelined, it would remove their most dynamic offensive player. Hopkins leads the team with 71 catches, 927 yards and seven scores.
“Yeah, I think he’ll be able to go,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “I think DeAndre’s played a lot of football for us, so I think he’ll remember the plays and I think he’ll be ready to go.”
Clowney set to return
Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney was upgraded to full participation Thursday and is set to make his return Sunday from a lowerback injury that sidelined him last week.
Clowney was limited in practice Wednesday and had no setbacks, unlike a week ago when he aggravated a painful bruised tailbone suffered against the Tennessee Titans.
Inside linebacker Akeem Dent (hamstring) hasn’t practiced all week.
Running back Chris Polk (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis after being sidelined Wednesday. Veteran corner Kareem Jackson was limited, but is set to return Sunday after missing three games with a sprained right ankle.
Rolle signs with Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are signing former Texans cornerback Jumal Rolle to their practice squad, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.
Rolle played in seven games for the Texans this season, recording two tackles. He was released Wednesday when the Texans claimed quarterback Brandon Weeden.
Rolle (6-0, 188) is a cornerback who went undrafted out of Catawba and had stints with the Packers, Saints and Bills. He intercepted three passes last year for the Texans in 10 games and no starts and had 15 tackles and four passes defended.