Quarterback Matt Schaub participated on a limited basis in Friday's practice and said he wants to be in uniform on Monday.
The Texans had their second practice on Friday in preparation for their first-ever Monday Night Football game. Quarterback Matt Schaub (knee) and rookie running back Steve Slaton (chest) are both healthier than they were a week ago, according to Texans coach Gary Kubiak.
To read more about Slaton, click **here**.
Schaub could play:Schaub took increased reps in practice on Friday after throwing with the team on Thursday for the first time since he suffered an MCL injury on Nov. 2 against the Minnesota Vikings.
"I thought he was still a little bit limited today, but I think he was better than he was yesterday," Kubiak said. "So we're making progress there."
Schaub took two or three out of every 10 reps, which Kubiak said is about normal for a player in a backup position. Kubiak hasn't decided what role, if any, Schaub will have on Monday against the Jaguars.
"I think there's a chance (that Schaub will play), but I think we've got to be smart and know that he can go out there and do all of the things he can do on a normal basis," Kubiak said. "Like I said, we've still got a long way to go between now and Monday, but he's made some progress."
Schaub said that he is feeling slight stiffness in his knee but not much pain. He has been lobbying to the coaches to let him suit up against Jacksonville.
"I feel like I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to go out there and play, so we just have to see how it goes here in the next couple of days," Schaub said. "But I feel like I can go out there and do my job."
Backs in good health: Running back became a big concern for the Texans earlier this week when Ahman Green was placed on the injured reserve list. Slaton was worn down and suffering from a severe chest bruise. His only backup, Ryan Moats, has only 10 carries since signing with the Texans on Oct. 7 and was hobbled last week by an ankle injury.
Kubiak said that both Slaton and Moats are healthy this week coming off of the team's three-day break.
"(Moats) is fine," Kubiak said. "So he'll back up Steve, and (fullback) Cecil (Sapp) will actually be playing halfback this week, too."
Sapp, who started eight games at fullback for the Denver Broncos last season, played for Kubiak from 2003-05 when the Texans coach was Denver's offensive coordinator.
"Cecil knows what we're doing protection-wise," Kubiak said. "He's working as a halfback this week. We're just making sure he gets his reps here going into the game instead of trying to do both."
Short week not a concern: Kubiak was asked if there is a disadvantage to playing on Monday Night Football since the Texans will have one less day to prepare for their game the next week.
"I don't think so," he said. "I think sometimes, the shorter the week, the better. Sometimes, you don't overanalyze or over plan sometimes. I think the key is how you come out of a Monday Night game. You're losing 24 hours of recovery time for your players, so you hope you come out of them clean."
Injuries: For the official injury report, click **here**.
