Brian Cushing returned to practice Friday for the first time in nearly two weeks.
In two days he may even be back in Sunday's lineup against Philadelphia, but it will likely be a gametime decision.
"It looked like he was moving around pretty good today so we'll have to see how he's doing this afternoon with a little bit more treatment," O'Brien said. "We'll touch base with him tomorrow and see how it feels in the morning."
Cushing, listed as questionable for the Week 9 matchup against the Eagles, says he felt "really good" coming off extra rehab for his knee. The Pro Bowl starting linebacker began suffering soreness in his knee during the past few games and made the decision last week to rest and get additional treatment.
"Obviously, I love playing," Cushing said Friday. "I want to be out there but, at the same time, I want to play at my best level and feel as best as I can and have a good rest of the year. So we've got to figure out a specific technique and formula that works for that to happen."
If Cushing does play Sunday, he's looking forward to reuniting with former teammate DeMeco Ryans, linebacker with the Texans from 2006-2011.
"I talk to DeMeco a lot, especially this week," Cushing said. "He and I have got a special bond where we're always pulling for each other. We've obviously talked about the injuries and stuff, but for the most part, just full support for each other."
The (4-4) Texans will host the (5-2) Eagles on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT on FOX KRIV-26 and SportsRadio 610.
