Carr's status is in serious doubt. He re-aggravated his separated shoulder in Sunday's game, and either Quinn or Ragone are set to back him up. Carr has looked nervous in the pocket over the past few games that he played in, and will rely too heavily on Davis, who Jacksonville should have little difficulty containing. Houston has never won back-to-back games. Jax gaining momentum to finish off their season on a high note, and god knows they don't want to finish dead last in their division.
This one's gonna hurt. Jax -6.
This one's gonna hurt. Jax -6.
With Banks out, sore Carr to start for Texans
Rookie Dave Ragone to serve as No. 2 QB
By CARLTON THOMPSON
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle
RESOURCES
Looking at the multiple-choice quarterback proposition facing him for Sunday's game at Jacksonville, Texans coach Dom Capers probably would prefer none of the above.
Tony Banks, who had been filling in for injured starter David Carr, is out for the season after breaking a bone in his hand two days ago against Atlanta. Carr came off the bench to lead a comeback, but his shoulder was in such pain that the coaches allowed him to attempt just five passes after he took over to begin the second half.
So these are Capers' choices:
A) Carr, who will be limited at practice this week because of his still-ailing shoulder.
B) Rookie Dave Ragone, who has yet to take a snap in a regular-season game.
C) Mike Quinn, who has attempted just three passes in his five-year career.
Capers knows what he wants to do, but Carr's shoulder will have to cooperate. The plan is for Carr to start against the Jaguars with Ragone serving as the backup. Quinn, signed from the practice squad Monday, would be the emergency quarterback.
Obviously, everything hinges on how much improvement Carr's sprained AC joint makes during the week. Sunday's wear and tear didn't set him back any, which must be viewed as a step in the right direction. But the Texans also realize they can't play an entire game like they played against the Falcons in the second half, when Carr's inability to throw the ball led to an unbalanced attack.
"We were obviously limited in what we could do," Capers said. "We felt in the second half of the game that we did what we had to do to win. Part of that was our defense playing the way they played. If we would have gotten into a shootout, I doubt we would have won."
Carr knew he wasn't going to start against the Falcons, and he had no idea he would be the backup quarterback until he arrived at Reliant Stadium. Despite being at less than 100 percent, he doesn't expect much mystery this week.
"I plan on playing," Carr said. "It's all going to depend on when I can practice and what I can do. If it gets better like it has been getting better, then I plan on playing. You never know. We'll have to see how it responds.
"It's still a little sore. I think I still have all of my range of movement. We just have to probably throw some balls (today) lightly and see if we lost anything, but I don't think we have. Just going off the range of movement and how it feels just standing here, I can probably still throw a little now. It still hurts when I yank one, I'm sure. So we'll see if it gets better."
The player whose work week will change most is Ragone, one of the Texans' three third-round picks in this year's draft. The coaches were impressed with Ragone during training camp and the preseason, and they love his work ethic -- Ragone is almost always one of the last players to leave the practice field. But since the start of the regular season, the large majority of the practice repetitions have been earmarked for Carr and Banks.
"I'm comfortable with Dave," Capers said of the southpaw quarterback. "He got a lot of reps last week, and he has been getting reps throughout the course of the year. David Carr will take the majority of the reps, but Dave Ragone will get his share because he has to be ready."
For the first time in his brief career, Ragone will be one play away from getting into a game.
"We're all in this league to play," said Ragone, a three-time pick as Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year at Louisville. "When I get my chance -- if I get my chance -- I'll go in there. I've taken snaps before. Maybe on a little different scale, but it's still a pigskin and 11 guys on the field."
Carr injured his shoulder 16 days ago at Buffalo, and while there seemed an outside chance he could be back on the field in two weeks, three or four weeks seemed closer to reality. Carr isn't likely to be 100 percent healthy by this weekend, but he realizes more than half the players in the NFL are banged up at this point in the season.
"If we can get my shoulder back to where it's at least 90 percent, then I can go out there and help this team win," Carr said. "We're kind of in a tough spot with the quarterback position, so if I can help, then I will."
Rookie Dave Ragone to serve as No. 2 QB
By CARLTON THOMPSON
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle
RESOURCES
Looking at the multiple-choice quarterback proposition facing him for Sunday's game at Jacksonville, Texans coach Dom Capers probably would prefer none of the above.
Tony Banks, who had been filling in for injured starter David Carr, is out for the season after breaking a bone in his hand two days ago against Atlanta. Carr came off the bench to lead a comeback, but his shoulder was in such pain that the coaches allowed him to attempt just five passes after he took over to begin the second half.
So these are Capers' choices:
A) Carr, who will be limited at practice this week because of his still-ailing shoulder.
B) Rookie Dave Ragone, who has yet to take a snap in a regular-season game.
C) Mike Quinn, who has attempted just three passes in his five-year career.
Capers knows what he wants to do, but Carr's shoulder will have to cooperate. The plan is for Carr to start against the Jaguars with Ragone serving as the backup. Quinn, signed from the practice squad Monday, would be the emergency quarterback.
Obviously, everything hinges on how much improvement Carr's sprained AC joint makes during the week. Sunday's wear and tear didn't set him back any, which must be viewed as a step in the right direction. But the Texans also realize they can't play an entire game like they played against the Falcons in the second half, when Carr's inability to throw the ball led to an unbalanced attack.
"We were obviously limited in what we could do," Capers said. "We felt in the second half of the game that we did what we had to do to win. Part of that was our defense playing the way they played. If we would have gotten into a shootout, I doubt we would have won."
Carr knew he wasn't going to start against the Falcons, and he had no idea he would be the backup quarterback until he arrived at Reliant Stadium. Despite being at less than 100 percent, he doesn't expect much mystery this week.
"I plan on playing," Carr said. "It's all going to depend on when I can practice and what I can do. If it gets better like it has been getting better, then I plan on playing. You never know. We'll have to see how it responds.
"It's still a little sore. I think I still have all of my range of movement. We just have to probably throw some balls (today) lightly and see if we lost anything, but I don't think we have. Just going off the range of movement and how it feels just standing here, I can probably still throw a little now. It still hurts when I yank one, I'm sure. So we'll see if it gets better."
The player whose work week will change most is Ragone, one of the Texans' three third-round picks in this year's draft. The coaches were impressed with Ragone during training camp and the preseason, and they love his work ethic -- Ragone is almost always one of the last players to leave the practice field. But since the start of the regular season, the large majority of the practice repetitions have been earmarked for Carr and Banks.
"I'm comfortable with Dave," Capers said of the southpaw quarterback. "He got a lot of reps last week, and he has been getting reps throughout the course of the year. David Carr will take the majority of the reps, but Dave Ragone will get his share because he has to be ready."
For the first time in his brief career, Ragone will be one play away from getting into a game.
"We're all in this league to play," said Ragone, a three-time pick as Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year at Louisville. "When I get my chance -- if I get my chance -- I'll go in there. I've taken snaps before. Maybe on a little different scale, but it's still a pigskin and 11 guys on the field."
Carr injured his shoulder 16 days ago at Buffalo, and while there seemed an outside chance he could be back on the field in two weeks, three or four weeks seemed closer to reality. Carr isn't likely to be 100 percent healthy by this weekend, but he realizes more than half the players in the NFL are banged up at this point in the season.
"If we can get my shoulder back to where it's at least 90 percent, then I can go out there and help this team win," Carr said. "We're kind of in a tough spot with the quarterback position, so if I can help, then I will."
(first portion of this article deleted)
From today's Houston Chronicle:
Among the most serious injuries the Texans will monitor this week will be the one involving backup free safety Matt Stevens, who could be out for the remainder of the season with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Linebackers Steve Foley (sprained shoulder) and rookie Antwan Peek (dislocated toe) have missed the last two and three games, respectively.
Quarterback David Carr, who was called upon unexpectedly to rally the Texans in the second half Sunday against Atlanta after Banks broke his right hand, said he intends to start this weekend against the Jaguars at Alltel Stadium. Carr is still nursing a sprained right shoulder that significantly limited his passing in the 17-13 win over the Falcons.
Running back Domanick Davis, a candidate for Rookie of the Year, will be listed as questionable with a sprained left ankle and bruised right quadriceps. Cornerback Aaron Glenn has played most of the season with a sore groin that is not expected to heal until the offseason. He will sit out today's two-hour workout in hopes the rest will allow him to make it through Sunday's game.
This time of year, the term "full strength" is misleading, with most players in the NFL playing with some form of nicks or bruises.
Defensive lineman Steve Martin has been playing with so many problems that he joked after a game last month: "You name it, I've got it." Defensive lineman Corey Sears has been playing on a fragile ankle. Center Steve McKinney has dealt with knee, ankle and shoulder problems. Linebacker Jay Foreman has played with a sore neck. Rookie wide receiver Andre Johnson played with a cracked toenail earlier this season.
Back spasms became so severe for linebacker Jamie Sharper that the training staff had to work on him during pre-game warmups last week, and there was some doubt about his availability for the Falcons game.
The injury list goes on and on.
"I think what we have is a group of unselfish players," Capers said. "I think you can see that in their play. They have a commitment to improving, and that's extremely important this time of year. This is the time of year we see teams go one of two ways. I talk all the time that we want to be an ascending team and not a descending team. It's a long season. What happens during the course of a season is not nearly as important as how you respond to it."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
My understanding is that Davis will be sidelined during practice today. Hollings will be his backup if he can't go against Jax. As a Hollings owner in a FF league, I can't imagine a worse start for him. Jax has not allowed 100 rushing yards in their past four games ... even if Davis does start, he'll be facing his biggest challenge yet.
From today's Houston Chronicle:
Among the most serious injuries the Texans will monitor this week will be the one involving backup free safety Matt Stevens, who could be out for the remainder of the season with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Linebackers Steve Foley (sprained shoulder) and rookie Antwan Peek (dislocated toe) have missed the last two and three games, respectively.
Quarterback David Carr, who was called upon unexpectedly to rally the Texans in the second half Sunday against Atlanta after Banks broke his right hand, said he intends to start this weekend against the Jaguars at Alltel Stadium. Carr is still nursing a sprained right shoulder that significantly limited his passing in the 17-13 win over the Falcons.
Running back Domanick Davis, a candidate for Rookie of the Year, will be listed as questionable with a sprained left ankle and bruised right quadriceps. Cornerback Aaron Glenn has played most of the season with a sore groin that is not expected to heal until the offseason. He will sit out today's two-hour workout in hopes the rest will allow him to make it through Sunday's game.
This time of year, the term "full strength" is misleading, with most players in the NFL playing with some form of nicks or bruises.
Defensive lineman Steve Martin has been playing with so many problems that he joked after a game last month: "You name it, I've got it." Defensive lineman Corey Sears has been playing on a fragile ankle. Center Steve McKinney has dealt with knee, ankle and shoulder problems. Linebacker Jay Foreman has played with a sore neck. Rookie wide receiver Andre Johnson played with a cracked toenail earlier this season.
Back spasms became so severe for linebacker Jamie Sharper that the training staff had to work on him during pre-game warmups last week, and there was some doubt about his availability for the Falcons game.
The injury list goes on and on.
"I think what we have is a group of unselfish players," Capers said. "I think you can see that in their play. They have a commitment to improving, and that's extremely important this time of year. This is the time of year we see teams go one of two ways. I talk all the time that we want to be an ascending team and not a descending team. It's a long season. What happens during the course of a season is not nearly as important as how you respond to it."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
My understanding is that Davis will be sidelined during practice today. Hollings will be his backup if he can't go against Jax. As a Hollings owner in a FF league, I can't imagine a worse start for him. Jax has not allowed 100 rushing yards in their past four games ... even if Davis does start, he'll be facing his biggest challenge yet.
This one is hard to cap. With all the injuries, the fact the Houston has never won back 2 back games (0-9)has to make one want to choose Jax. I must admit I am on the Texans this week, but for personel reasons. I like a low scoring game here, and I think Brown wins that battle.
Dec. 3, 2003, 11:29PM
Opportunity knocks
Hollings ready to jump in as starting running back if Davis sidelined
By CARLTON THOMPSON
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle
RESOURCES
Tony Hollings reached the legal age for alcohol consumption in the Lone Star State (21) just a year and three days ago, making him the youngest player on the Texans' roster, but he's been around long enough to digest at least one fact of life in the NFL:
One man's injury is another man's opportunity.
Hollings learned that lesson by watching fellow rookie Domanick Davis make the most of his opportunities after replacing injured starting running back Stacey Mack just five games into the season.
Mack never recovered from his injury and never got his starting job back after Davis rushed for at least 100 yards in three of his first four starts. Davis leads all NFL rookies with 825 yards rushing and is one of the leading candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Mack was placed on injured reserve last week with the turf-toe injury that opened the door for Davis. Hollings advanced to No. 2 on the depth chart, and on Wednesday, the rookie from Georgia Tech took the majority of the practice repetitions with the first-team offense while Davis watched from the sideline because of a thigh injury.
Texans coach Dom Capers expects Davis to practice at some point this week and is hopeful he will start Sunday's game at Jacksonville. Davis concurs. Nevertheless, Hollings is relishing the extra work and vows to be ready if needed against the Jaguars.
"If Domanick does not get healthy, Tony starts," Capers said. "We're hoping Domanick gets healthy, but we have confidence in Tony. He would be our starter, and Jonathan Wells would be our backup if Domanick isn't able to go."
Hollings, who began his college career as a defensive back and played just four games at running back before suffering an ACL injury, came to the Texans with much more fanfare than Davis, a fourth-round pick from Louisiana State.
The Texans forfeited a second-round pick in next year's draft to select Hollings in a supplement draft in July. Although he was coming off knee surgery, Hollings was viewed by most outsiders, and perhaps some inside the organization, as the back with the greatest upside. Davis' name mostly was associated with returning kicks and serving as a third-down back.
"I really don't pay any attention to that," Capers said. "It doesn't make any difference if a guy is a first-round pick or a free agent. You're going to play the guys who you think give you the best chance of winning. When Tony and Domanick came out, I looked at them exactly the same. Over a period of time, guys are going to surface, guys who are going to give you the best chance."
So far, that clearly has been Davis. He already is the leading rusher in the Texans' 28-game history and is on pace to rush for 1,193 yards and catch 49 passes for another 407 yards. But Davis has taken a pounding on his 225 touches, and now could be a good time for the Texans to take advantage of the fresh legs of Hollings, who has just 18 carries for 74 yards this season.
"With Domanick being the No. 1 guy and me being No. 2 now, I hope that helps my reps," said Hollings, who was leading the nation in rushing with Georgia Tech before his injury. "I've been talking to him. He's been a little sore. I can't say how healthy he is. We'll see as the week goes along. Either way, I know I have to be ready to play.
"Coming in this year, I was expecting to play, because that's my mindset. But I really didn't expect to come out and start. I just wanted to get as much playing time as I could. As time progressed and the year went along, I think every running back sets a goal of being a starter, but the main thing is to help your team any way you can."
And if that means cheering for and supporting the guy in front of you on the depth chart, Hollings already has proved he can do that.
"I sat on the bench for two years in college, so I learned how to be patient," he said. "Good things come in time, so I'm just watching and continuing to learn."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texans summary
Tied for toughest
The Texans have managed a surprising 5-7 record despite playing a schedule tied for the toughest in the NFL through 13 weeks.
The Texans' 12 opponents have combined for a .576 winning percentage, tied with Buffalo for the toughest schedule in the league.
"Our schedule isn't very second-year friendly," left guard Todd Washington said.
Houston has played six teams that are leaders or co-leaders from five divisions -- the Colts and Titans in the AFC South, the Patriots in the AFC East, the Bengals in the AFC North, the Chiefs in the AFC West and the Panthers in the NFC South.
Factor in Miami, and seven of the Texans' opponents this season would make the playoffs if the season ended today. The Texans are 2-5 in those games.
Carr on track
Quarterback David Carr went through a light workout Wednesday and remains on track to start Sunday at Jacksonville.
Carr was mostly limited to handing off in practice, although he stayed after practice for some light throwing with trainer Kevin Bastin. Coach Dom Capers said the plan is for Carr to increase his workload the rest of the week.
"He will be our starter," Capers said.
Rookie running back Domanick Davis was held out of workouts with a sprained left ankle and bruised right quadriceps. He is expected to return to practice today and be able to start against the Jaguars.
"There's no doubt I'll be ready," Davis said. "I can deal with it. It's nothing too serious."
Stevens done
Safety Matt Stevens' season ended Wednesday when the Texans placed him on injured reserve with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Stevens came into the season as the starter at free safety before losing his job to free-agent pickup Marlon McCree.
To replace Stevens on the active roster, the Texans signed 6-6, 285-pound defensive tackle Jeremy Slechta. Slechta played for the Eagles last season as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Nebraska.
Another rehab
For the second time in as many years, backup quarterback Tony Banks is preparing for rehab on his right hand.
Banks rejoined the Texans on Wednesday, three days after a broken right hand ended his season. He suffered a compound fracture of the second metacarpal in his throwing hand during the first half of Sunday's 17-13 win over Atlanta and underwent immediate surgery.
Banks, who is wearing a cast, expects to be fully recovered in "a couple of months."
"I've had much more major surgery on this hand a couple years ago, and I came back throwing the ball as well as I ever have," Banks said. "This isn't even as important a finger."
During an offseason workout with his personal trainer two years ago, Banks dropped a weight on the same hand, dislocating the pinky and breaking a bone. He underwent surgery and needed three months to recover, which severely hurt him during free agency.
Banks still has another season on a two-year contract he signed last offseason.
-- JOSEPH DUARTE
Opportunity knocks
Hollings ready to jump in as starting running back if Davis sidelined
By CARLTON THOMPSON
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle
RESOURCES
Tony Hollings reached the legal age for alcohol consumption in the Lone Star State (21) just a year and three days ago, making him the youngest player on the Texans' roster, but he's been around long enough to digest at least one fact of life in the NFL:
One man's injury is another man's opportunity.
Hollings learned that lesson by watching fellow rookie Domanick Davis make the most of his opportunities after replacing injured starting running back Stacey Mack just five games into the season.
Mack never recovered from his injury and never got his starting job back after Davis rushed for at least 100 yards in three of his first four starts. Davis leads all NFL rookies with 825 yards rushing and is one of the leading candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Mack was placed on injured reserve last week with the turf-toe injury that opened the door for Davis. Hollings advanced to No. 2 on the depth chart, and on Wednesday, the rookie from Georgia Tech took the majority of the practice repetitions with the first-team offense while Davis watched from the sideline because of a thigh injury.
Texans coach Dom Capers expects Davis to practice at some point this week and is hopeful he will start Sunday's game at Jacksonville. Davis concurs. Nevertheless, Hollings is relishing the extra work and vows to be ready if needed against the Jaguars.
"If Domanick does not get healthy, Tony starts," Capers said. "We're hoping Domanick gets healthy, but we have confidence in Tony. He would be our starter, and Jonathan Wells would be our backup if Domanick isn't able to go."
Hollings, who began his college career as a defensive back and played just four games at running back before suffering an ACL injury, came to the Texans with much more fanfare than Davis, a fourth-round pick from Louisiana State.
The Texans forfeited a second-round pick in next year's draft to select Hollings in a supplement draft in July. Although he was coming off knee surgery, Hollings was viewed by most outsiders, and perhaps some inside the organization, as the back with the greatest upside. Davis' name mostly was associated with returning kicks and serving as a third-down back.
"I really don't pay any attention to that," Capers said. "It doesn't make any difference if a guy is a first-round pick or a free agent. You're going to play the guys who you think give you the best chance of winning. When Tony and Domanick came out, I looked at them exactly the same. Over a period of time, guys are going to surface, guys who are going to give you the best chance."
So far, that clearly has been Davis. He already is the leading rusher in the Texans' 28-game history and is on pace to rush for 1,193 yards and catch 49 passes for another 407 yards. But Davis has taken a pounding on his 225 touches, and now could be a good time for the Texans to take advantage of the fresh legs of Hollings, who has just 18 carries for 74 yards this season.
"With Domanick being the No. 1 guy and me being No. 2 now, I hope that helps my reps," said Hollings, who was leading the nation in rushing with Georgia Tech before his injury. "I've been talking to him. He's been a little sore. I can't say how healthy he is. We'll see as the week goes along. Either way, I know I have to be ready to play.
"Coming in this year, I was expecting to play, because that's my mindset. But I really didn't expect to come out and start. I just wanted to get as much playing time as I could. As time progressed and the year went along, I think every running back sets a goal of being a starter, but the main thing is to help your team any way you can."
And if that means cheering for and supporting the guy in front of you on the depth chart, Hollings already has proved he can do that.
"I sat on the bench for two years in college, so I learned how to be patient," he said. "Good things come in time, so I'm just watching and continuing to learn."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texans summary
Tied for toughest
The Texans have managed a surprising 5-7 record despite playing a schedule tied for the toughest in the NFL through 13 weeks.
The Texans' 12 opponents have combined for a .576 winning percentage, tied with Buffalo for the toughest schedule in the league.
"Our schedule isn't very second-year friendly," left guard Todd Washington said.
Houston has played six teams that are leaders or co-leaders from five divisions -- the Colts and Titans in the AFC South, the Patriots in the AFC East, the Bengals in the AFC North, the Chiefs in the AFC West and the Panthers in the NFC South.
Factor in Miami, and seven of the Texans' opponents this season would make the playoffs if the season ended today. The Texans are 2-5 in those games.
Carr on track
Quarterback David Carr went through a light workout Wednesday and remains on track to start Sunday at Jacksonville.
Carr was mostly limited to handing off in practice, although he stayed after practice for some light throwing with trainer Kevin Bastin. Coach Dom Capers said the plan is for Carr to increase his workload the rest of the week.
"He will be our starter," Capers said.
Rookie running back Domanick Davis was held out of workouts with a sprained left ankle and bruised right quadriceps. He is expected to return to practice today and be able to start against the Jaguars.
"There's no doubt I'll be ready," Davis said. "I can deal with it. It's nothing too serious."
Stevens done
Safety Matt Stevens' season ended Wednesday when the Texans placed him on injured reserve with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Stevens came into the season as the starter at free safety before losing his job to free-agent pickup Marlon McCree.
To replace Stevens on the active roster, the Texans signed 6-6, 285-pound defensive tackle Jeremy Slechta. Slechta played for the Eagles last season as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Nebraska.
Another rehab
For the second time in as many years, backup quarterback Tony Banks is preparing for rehab on his right hand.
Banks rejoined the Texans on Wednesday, three days after a broken right hand ended his season. He suffered a compound fracture of the second metacarpal in his throwing hand during the first half of Sunday's 17-13 win over Atlanta and underwent immediate surgery.
Banks, who is wearing a cast, expects to be fully recovered in "a couple of months."
"I've had much more major surgery on this hand a couple years ago, and I came back throwing the ball as well as I ever have," Banks said. "This isn't even as important a finger."
During an offseason workout with his personal trainer two years ago, Banks dropped a weight on the same hand, dislocating the pinky and breaking a bone. He underwent surgery and needed three months to recover, which severely hurt him during free agency.
Banks still has another season on a two-year contract he signed last offseason.
-- JOSEPH DUARTE
