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Texans likely will be missing Foster, Hopkins against Bucs

 
Published Sept. 24, 2015

HOUSTON — Texans coach Bill O'Brien doesn't expect Arian Foster to return from a groin injury against the Bucs on Sunday and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will likely be out, too because of a concussion.

Foster, who has been out with a groin injury, practiced on Wednesday but was limited.

O'Brien is still optimistic about Foster's overall progress.

"I think that he's a guy that really understands his own body very well," O'Brien said. "He's really looking good in practice. Like the way he looks. He looks like he's in good shape. He feels better. I'm not sure about this week, but I would say that he would be back sooner rather than later."

O'Brien did not address the injury to Hopkins. But the injury report listed Hopkins, Houston's top receiver, as not practicing because of a concussion.

Chris Polk, Alfred Blue and Jonathan Grimes have taken Foster's carries. Grimes is listed day to day on the injury report and didn't practice Wednesday.

Polk leads the Texans in rushing with 19 carries for 60 yards in two games.

The Texans signed former Rams running back Daryl Richardson to the practice squad.

CHANCELLOR RETURNS: Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor ended a holdout and reported to the team without a new contract. The Seahawks did not budge from not renegotiating a deal that runs through 2017. Chancellor, 27, accrued fines of more than $2 million while seeking alterations to a contract that pays $4.55 million this season. It is uncertain if he would be fined. He texted to ESPN: "God forgives all, why can't i?''

MANZIEL BACK TO BENCH: The Browns will start quarterback Josh McCown instead of Johnny Manziel on Sunday against the Raiders. McCown, who was injured in the opener, was cleared to return from a concussion by an independent neurologist. Manziel, who entered this season as McCown's backup, stepped in as the starter in Sunday's victory. Coach Mike Pettine said McNown "gives us the best opportunity to win on Sunday. There was a reason we started the season with Josh as the one and Johnny as the two." Manziel said: "I am not going to sit here and say that I love the decision, but I respect coach and that's the guy that makes the calls for this team. I am going to be a team player and be ready when my number is called."

A ROLE FOR MANUEL: Quarterback EJ Manuel can finally stop worrying about his role with the Bills this season. After bouncing up and down the depth chart to the point he began questioning his future with the team, the former FSU standout cemented the job as Tyrod Taylor's backup on Wednesday a day after journeyman Matt Cassel was traded. Manuel welcomed the promotion while noting he has blocked out what's gone on in the past. "My job was the third guy last week and now it's the second guy," Manuel said. "So whatever comes to me. Now I just try to focus on that and block out everything else."

Dolphins: Three starters are slowed by injuries as the team prepares for Sunday's game against the Bills. Running back Lamar Miller (right ankle), left tackle Branden Albert (right hamstring) and tight end Jordan Cameron (groin) sat out practice but worked on the side. All were hurt in Sunday's loss at Jacksonville. Albert's availability is the most doubtful, in part because he's still recovering from left knee surgery in November. Also, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh declined to discuss a Miami Herald report that he freelanced in the defense during Sunday's 23-20 loss at Jacksonville. Asked whether he's gone against the wishes of the defensive coaches Suh responded: "What for? That's my job to go out there and play as hard and fast as I can, with their direction."

Jets: Cornerback Darrelle Revis sat out practice with a groin injury, and his status for Sunday's game against the Eagles is uncertain.

Lions: Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has injured ribs, said he felt "pretty good" and participated as usual during the parts of practice open to reporters. Stafford has a 68-game starting streak.

PANTHERS: Linebacker Luke Kuechly participated in noncontact position drills, his most extensive action since sustaining a concussion in the season opener. He will have to be cleared by an independent neurologist.

VIKINGS: Left guard Brandon Fusco missed practice with a concussion.