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Texans LB Cushing out for season with torn ACL
By CHRIS DUNCAN
AP Sports Writer /
October 9, 2012
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Arian Foster carried the offense and helped Houston win time of possession for the fifth time this season. Foster rushed 29 times for 152 yards, both season highs.
Justin Forsett had four carries for six yards in place of regular backup Ben Tate, who missed Monday night’s game with a toe injury. Kubiak said Tate ‘‘was not close’’ to playing and will be evaluated again on Wednesday.
Aside from the injuries, Kubiak has growing concerns about Houston’s kick-return and coverage teams. Trindon Holliday averaged only 11 yards on three kickoff returns, and the Texans were penalized three times on returns.
Most alarming, though, Houston gave up a 100-yard kickoff return to New York’s Joe McKnight, a momentum-changing play after the Texans had built a 20-7 lead. Houston also comfortably led Miami in the season opener before Marcus Thigpen ran back a punt 72 yards for a touchdown.
‘‘I'm very concerned special-teams wise,’’ Kubiak said. ‘‘We didn’t get a ball past the 20 (on kickoff returns) last night, and we've given up two touchdowns. We’re near the bottom of the league in covering kicks. We've got to address it. It’s going to cost us, at some point. We've been fortunate, but it’s not good enough right now.’’
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