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Bill O’Brien gave an update on several notable Texans injuries this afternoon, chief among them starting quarterback (for now) Brian Hoyer and Jadeveon Clowney, the latter of whom left the win in Tennessee in the fourth quarter yesterday and was spotted in a walking boot after the game. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle did the internet a solid and recapped everything on his Twitter timeline.
Bill O'Brien: 'Brian Hoyer has progressed through protocol, in last phase, be able to tell you more on Wednesday.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 28, 2015
Bill O'Brien: 'If Brian [Hoyer] is healthy and cleared, he's our starter.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 28, 2015
Bill O'Brien said Charles James has been playing with a fractured foot for a month, fully fractured, will go on IR
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 28, 2015
Bill O'Brien: 'No structural damage for Jadeveon Clowney.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 28, 2015
Bill O'Brien says there's a possibility that Jadeveon Clowney would play on Sunday
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 28, 2015
Cecil Shorts (hamstring) won't be ready this week, per Bill O'Brien
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 28, 2015
Hoyer is obviously the most critical piece that the Texans can get back on offense – as odd as that may be to write – but perhaps Jadeveon Clowney escaping serious injury is the biggest news of the day. The former first overall pick has been constantly dealing with various injuries throughout his young career, so hearing that he may not miss any time at all with a foot and/or ankle injury is a welcome relief. If the Bengals beat the Broncos tonight and secure an AFC South title for the Texans – and that is of course a HUGE "if" – we may see Bill O’Brien opt to rest a lot of his critical starters in Week 17 just to go into the playoffs as healthy as humanly possible.
Fingers crossed, ladies and gentlemen.
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