INJURY UPDATE: Texans LB With a knee injury, a key player leaves the game……

Texas — Due to a knee injury, inside linebacker Brian Cushing for the Houston Texans missed Sunday’s 23-14 victory over the Chicago Bears.

ESPN’s Josina Anderson was informed by a source that Cushing had a Grade 2 MCL sprain.

Texans trainers examined Cushing’s knee early in the first quarter, at which point Cushing left the game. When he entered the locker room, it was first declared that his return was uncertain.
Rangers LB With a knee injury, Brian Cushing leaves the game.

Over the previous two seasons, Cushing has participated in 30 of 32 regular-season games; however, he missed time in 2012 due to an ACL tear and again in 2013 due to an LCL tear and a broken leg.

The length of Cushing’s absence is unknown, but Texans head coach Bill O’Brien acknowledged that it is difficult “anytime you lose, basically, the heart and soul of your team.”

Brian Peters, the inside linebacker, described him as “the tone-setter out there.” “It’s clear that he’s using the microphone, making calls, and doing other things. However, the man wears his heart on his sleeve. He is an amazing player, and the guys all follow his lead because of his infectious playing style and tempo.”

Over the previous two seasons, Cushing has participated in 30 of 32 regular-season games; however, he missed time in 2012 due to an ACL tear and again in 2013 due to an LCL tear and a broken leg.

Last season, he totaled 100 tackles, including four for a loss and one forced fumble.

Max Bullough, an inside linebacker, took Cushing’s place in the game.

“Perhaps [Cushing] will return eventually,” stated O’Brien. “Max [Bullough] has exceptional intelligence, and B-Mac [Benardrick McKinney] is a skilled football player. We believe we’ve established some depth there, so next man up. The National Football League is that. Occasionally, injuries occur. The next player must step up because it’s an extremely difficult game.”