Texans coach Gary Kubiak said Monday that CB Brice McCain will be placed on injured reserve but will be designated to return after suffering a left foot fracture against Tennessee on Sunday.
McCain had a screw inserted into his foot Monday morning and will not be able to suit up for at least eight weeks. He has played in all 12 games for Houston with two starts. McCain has 24 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and one interception.
Under a new rule this year, each team can designate one player on IR who is able to return. McCain has to miss at least eight weeks, but he can start practicing after six. If he returns after eight weeks, that would make him available for the Super Bowl.
With McCain’s injury, Houston’s depth in the back end suffered another blow. The Texans were without CB Johnathan Joseph (hamstring) and CB Alan Ball (foot) on Sunday due to injury. Kubiak said that both are day-to-day.
“Obviously, as a football team it’s something we’re addressing [Monday] and taking a real hard look at because we’ve got a lot of football left to play,” Kubiak said. “We’ve got to make sure that we’re in position to give ourselves the best chance to be successful. So, that’s something we’re looking at real hard.”
Houston will miss McCain, who was the team’s nickel corner, primarily covering the opponent’s slot receiver. Kubiak said that second year CB Brandon Harris will take McCain’s place as the nickel back, which could be a tall task this week against Patriots WR Wes Welker.
“I think Brandon is very competitive, has a lot of confidence,” Kubiak said. “We’ve got to get some penalty issues settled down with him, but he doesn’t lack any confidence and that’s what you’re looking for.”
Kubiak said Harris played 59 plays at Tennessee on Sunday. He had a team-high six tackles and also broke up two passes, both of which were career-highs.
Follow Texans blogger Sean Bielawski on Twitter @CBSTexans.
