Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak said Wednesday that Andre Johnson was held out of practice for rest purposes.
A day later, Kubiak was singing a different tune.
For the second time in three weeks, Kubiak has deemed Johnson a likely game-time decision. Whereas a shin injury hampered the star wide receiver in Week 4, now he's dealing with a hamstring tweak.
Johnson missed the majority of Thursday's practice. We hope to have a better read on his status after Friday, but it sounds like there will be no definitive answer until the hours leading up to Sunday's game versus the St. Louis Rams.
Here's the rest of Thursday's injury news:
- New York Giants running back David Wilson is expected to miss three weeks with a neck injury. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, there's still a possibility that Wilson's season might be over once he consults a specialist on Monday.
- Calvin Johnson (knee) returned to practice on Thursday, a positive sign for his chances of playing for the Detroit Lionsat Cleveland. Coach Jim Schwartz said the wide receiver will be a game-time decision, per the Detroit Free Press.
- After Stevie Johnson missed practice again on Thursday, Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone said it's going to be a "tough call" as to whether the wide receiver will play through a back injury and mourning a death in the family. The Bills go up against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
- Marrone also said running back C.J. Spiller is "progressing much better this week," moving with more ease on his sprained ankle.
- Ryan Mathews sat out Thursday's San Diego Chargers practice with a concussion. The running back has yet to be cleared for "Monday Night Football" versus the Indianapolis Colts.
- The Cowboys' official website expects wide receiver Miles Austin (hamstring) to play on "Sunday Night Football" versus the Washington Redskins after a second straight practice on Thursday. Rookie Terrance Williams' snaps likely would be scaled back if Austin suits up for Dallas.
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- Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts (groin) was downgraded to no participation in Thursday's practice. His status is up in the air for Sunday's game at Denver.
- Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (hamstring) appears to be on track for a return Sunday at Kansas City after practicing again on Thursday.
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