Houston Texans Injury Report: Whitney Mercilus Unlikely To Play Versus Colts, Andre Johnson Questionable

Tweets aplenty this afternoon concerning the status of several ailing Houston Texans. First, here's the latest on Andre Johnson's availability for Sunday's game against the Colts:

O'Brien: Johnson has not cleared the concussion protocol.

— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) December 12, 2014

O'Brien: Andre Johnson is questionable for Sunday's game. Day-to-day.

— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) December 12, 2014

This is purely me guessing, but I would be very surprised if Andre Johnson played on Sunday. It's Friday, and he still hasn't cleared the league's mandatory concussion testing. I'd bet he's inactive against the Colts.

What of two other injured starters, Whitney Mercilus and Garrett Graham?

BOB: @johnson80 questionable for game. Mercilus and Graham probably won't play.

— Dale Robertson (@sportywineguy) December 12, 2014

O'Brien: Mercilus and Graham will probably not play vs. Colts.

— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) December 12, 2014

While John Simon has been a pleasant surprise at OLB, Mercilus' absence further thins Houston's anemic non-J.J. Watt pass rush. The Texans have rarely utilized the tight end in the passing game this season, so Graham's likely unavailability shouldn't loom as large.

Nevertheless, it would appear the Texans are likely to be down at least three starters on Sunday in a game that's essential to their playoff hopes. That's not good. That's not good at all.

Texans vs Colts coverage
Stampede Blue