Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing was held out of Monday's organized team activity after developing soreness in his knee, and coach Gary Kubiak disclosed that the team sent the 2009 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year for an MRI.
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"No, just his knee got sore on him," Kubiak said, "and I'm going to err on that side (of caution) this time of year, so we sent him down for an MRI. He did come out and watch practice, and it gives some other guys a chance to get some reps."
Cushing hasn't missed a game due to injury during his three seasons in the NFL. However, he did undergo surgery after the 2010 season to repair the patella tendon in his right knee and eased into training camp last year.
Cushing started all 16 games last season and led the Texans with 114 tackles, adding four sacks and two interceptions while playing in over 93 percent of the team's defensive snaps. Cushing injured his right knee against the Atlanta Falcons last December, but he returned to the game.
The Texans didn't disclose which knee was sore, but the Texans likely will take a cautious approach during the six remaining OTA and minicamp practices this offseason. Holding out Cushing will give veteran Bradie James more of an opportunity to grow accustomed to his new teammates and allow Tim Dobbins and Daryl Sharpton to take reps with the first-team defense.
