Coaches don't roll the dice in the preseason. That's one reason you won't see Brian Cushing play against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night.
Breer: Texans training camp report
The Texans enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2011, but Albert Breer says Houston desires more this year. **More ...**
The Houston Texans inside linebacker didn't make the trip to Charlotte, N.C., after missing four practices and spending two nights in the hospital this week with a virus, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported.
Texans coach Gary Kubiak said his starting defense will log, at most, 15 plays against Cam Newton and the Panthers, so leaving Cushing behind makes sense.
Cushing is expected to return to practice this week and suit up for the Texans' preseason home opener against the San Francisco 49ers next Saturday. We imagine the three-year starter nesting at home with a cup of Sleepytime tea and his television locked in for Houston's first action of 2012.
