TE Fiedorowicz becoming more than just a blocker

The involvement of tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz in the Texans’ offense has expanded beyond him being a rugged blocker.

Fiedorowicz has emerged as a larger factor in the passing game. The 6-5, 265-pounder already has caught 16 passes for a career-high 201 yards and two touchdowns, including a late score on a pass from quarterback Brock Osweiler during Sunday’s 26-23 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

“Good size, he’s gotten much better as a route runner,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s got really good hands, got big hands. Obviously, Brock has a lot of faith in him. That touchdown throw that he made to him was a great throw, but a very tight window.

“That takes a lot of trust that the guy is going to be there and make that catch. C.J. has done a really good job, very proud of that guy. He works hard. We’ve coached him hard over the years.

“I think he’s doing a good job.”

Fiedorowicz caught a career-high six passes for 85 yards and the 26-yard touchdown against the Colts.

“It seems like week to week he’s doing one more thing than he did the previous week,” Texans offensive coordinator George Godsey said. “As far as the running game is concerned, he’s a big factor controlling the edge. That’s one of his main jobs He’s starting to contribute in the passing game.

“We have different ways to classify tight ends. At his size, he’s a blocking tight end. He’s defining his role a little bit more in the passing game, which helps the quarterback. He’s a little bit closer to the formation, little bit easier throw for us.”

Losing Johnson a tough blow

The loss of cornerback Kevin Johnson (broken foot) for the remainder of the season represents a major blow.

Johnson is a tall, athletic corner with excellent coverage and tackling skills. He was capable of lining up at several positions and played arguably his best game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts in which he had 10 tackles, including nine solos.

Johnson, a first-round pick in 2015, started three of six games this season, but probably should have been a regular starter due to his strong performances.

“He was hitting his stride, so it was really bad to see him go down,” Texans veteran cornerback Johnathan Joseph said. “He was playing the best ball I’ve seen from a young guy in a long time.”

Johnson broke his foot in the fourth quarter and played through the pain, missing just one snap. After the game, X-rays revealed the damage. Johnson hasn’t been placed on injured reserve yet, but he will eventually. He is contemplating whether to undergo surgery or have it heal on its own.

Johnson received a game ball for his efforts against Indianapolis.

“I texted Kevin after the game,” cornerback A.J. Bouye said. “It kind of hurt me just because me and him on the field, he brings a lot of energy. He means a lot.

“When I found out, I was kind of down about it. We’re going to miss him. But we know he’s going to come back stronger because that’s what he does.”

Jackson, Allen to play Monday

The Texans are hopeful of getting reinforcements Monday night against the Denver Broncos.

Texans veteran cornerback Kareem Jackson is expected back from a hamstring injury. He was hurt against the Tennessee Titans and missed the past two games.

Jackson practiced on a limited basis last week and has been practicing this week, too.

Offensive guard Jeff Allen is recovering well from a concussion and is expected to play Monday night, too.

Allen missed Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.

“I expect both of those guys to be ready Monday night,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said.

Osweiler, Hopkins nurse injuries

Quarterback Brock Osweiler (foot) and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) were added to the injury report.

Osweiller participated fully in Thursday’s practice and is expected to be fine for the game Monday night against the Broncos. Hopkins was limited in practice but expected to play Monday night.

Meanwhile, strong safety Quintin Demps (calf ), running back Jonathan Grimes (cracked fibula) and inside linebacker Brian Peters (quadriceps) were out and are not expected to play. Demps has been replaced in the starting lineup by Corey Moore.