Linebacker Brian Cushing added another accolade to his already impressive resumé.
The Texans practiced outside at the Methodist Training Center on Thursday as they continue to prepare for their Week 13 road contest with AFC South division rival Jacksonville.
Health status: Left tackle Duane Brown was able to do a bit more work than Wednesday. He continues to show signs that he'll likely suit up against the Jaguars on Sunday.
"He practiced today," head coach Gary Kubiak said of Brown. "He took, I would say, probably about half the reps he normally takes, but I think if he comes out of today OK, he's got a good chance of being ready to go."
Kubiak went on to say that if Brown is able to take some reps again on Friday and"gets a good 48 hours rest" between then and then game, "he'll be there."
Additionally, Kubiak said linebackers Xavier Adibi and Zac Diles were back on Thursday after missing Wednesday because of sickness.
But cornerback Glover Quin did not practice for the second consecutive day because of a sore neck. Fellow rookie Brice McCain is picking up the slack in Quin's absence.
"(He's)still not feeling very good," Kubiak said of Quin. "So Brice is kind of filling his role right now and we'll see how he does."
Kubiak also said that Quin is smart enough to be able to play Sunday without practicing the entire week.
Kubiak supporter: Wide receiver Andre Johnson spoke up for Kubiak on Thursday in the locker room, saying he and his teammates were the ones more responsible for Sunday's loss.
{QUOTE}"He does everything he can to keep us fresh on Sundays during the week," Johnson said of Kubiak. "He can't go out there and play the game for us. That's something he can't do. All he can do is prepare us, give us a game plan and it's up to us to go out there and execute it."
Johnson also said that Kubiak stayed positive and upbeat Sunday during the contest with the Colts.
"It seems like everyone was just kind of getting uptight," Johnson said. "(Kubiak) was trying to keep everyone loose. Even David (Anderson) was walking around saying, 'Hey guys, let's not get uptight, let's not panic,, and things like that."
Cushing wins, again: Another week, another accolade for rookie linebacker Brian Cushing. On Thursday, he was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month. Cushing finished November with 43 tackles, 28 solos, one sack, two interceptions and three passes defensed.
In Weeks 6 and 8 this season, Cushing was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Cushing, as always, was excited about the award but modest as well.
"It's special," Cushing said. "A really good honor, the whole month, it means I'm doing something right. Hopefully, I can keep it up, but it's one of those things where you're rejoicing it today and coming back to work tomorrow."
Cushing didn't hesitate when he was asked who appreciates the award the most.
"My parents," Cushing said. "That's just a pride thing, but I think my dad and I have the same mentality as far as, 'Enjoy it and just keep going.' We'll enjoy that (more) in the offseason."
Injury report: For the official injury report, click here;/1259887550634/).
