Tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET the Houston Texans (3-3) will head to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers (3-3) in a matchup of AFC squads trying to establish position in the playoff picture. Watch the Monday Night Football action on ESPN or live stream it free by clicking this link. Texans fans can hear the radio broadcast on 100.3 The Bull, while Steelers fans may do likewise on 102.5 WDVE.
Despite inconsistent efforts from week to week Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger urged calm. "There's no time to panic. You guys are waiting for us to panic. We're not panicking."
They will likely lean on running back Le'Veon Bell, who hasn't topped 100 yards on the ground since Week 3 after starting the year off by eclipsing the century mark in two of his first three games. Houston is ranked 24th in the NFL against the run according to FootballOutsiders.com, which should present an opportunity for Bell to dominate.
Houston's defense may become more formidable this week though, with Jadeveon Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 draft, potentially returning from a torn meniscus. "It (would) help a lot," Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson said of having Clowney back.
"Just going in the game knowing we won't have to cover as long. The guys we've had up front, they've been doing a great job thus far and to add (Clowney) is definitely going to make things that much better."
Houston made a brave effort last Thursday, nearly coming from an early 24-0 deficit to upset the Colts. Head coach Bill O'Brien believes quicker starts to games could change their fortunes.
"If we start the game with a positive play -- first down, gain four, gain five; second-and-5, then gain three (and) then it's a positive or manageable third down," O'Brien said. "We get that first first-down, we're able to get into a good tempo, a good rhythm and we're going."
Texans Injury Report
Darryl Morris
CB
Ankle
Did Not Participate In Practice
Out
Brandon Brooks
G
Illness
Full Participation in Practice
Probable
Brian Cushing
LB
Knee
Full Participation in Practice
Probable
Arian Foster
RB
Groin
Full Participation in Practice
Probable
DeAndre Hopkins
WR
Hand
Full Participation in Practice
Probable
Timothy Jamison
DE
Groin
Full Participation in Practice
Probable
Andre Johnson
WR
Ankle
Full Participation in Practice
Probable
Johnathan Joseph
CB
Knee
Full Participation in Practice
Probable
Christopher Myers
C
Not Injury Related
Full Participation in Practice
Probable
Derek Newton
T
Elbow
Full Participation in Practice
Probable
Brooks Reed
LB
Groin
Full Participation in Practice
Probable
Jeff Tarpinian
LB
Knee
Full Participation in Practice
Probable
Justin Watt
DE
Thigh
Full Participation in Practice
Probable
Jadeveon Clowney
LB
Knee
Limited Participation in Practice
Questionable
Mike Mohamed
LB
Calf
Limited Participation in Practice
Questionable
Steelers Injury Report
| Shamarko Thomas | S | Hamstring | Did Not Participate In Practice | Out |
| Stephen McLendon | DT | Shoulder | Out (Definitely Will Not Play) | Out |
| Ivan Taylor | CB | Forearm | Out (Definitely Will Not Play) | Out |
| Cameron Heyward | DE | Ankle | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| William Johnson | RB | Illness | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Brett Keisel | DE | Knee | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Michael Mitchell | S | Knee | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Troy Polamalu | S | Not Injury Related | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Ryan Shazier | LB | Knee | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
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