Texans defensive end J.J. Watt has become a fan favorite in Houston and an official celebrity after pursuing Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record and being named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2012.

For a period of time Thursday, Texans fans had reason to be concerned that their franchise single-season sack record holder was going to be sidelined in 2013. Watt’s celebrity made him the target of an Internet hoax Thursday when it was falsely reported that he was severely injured in a car wreck in Miami. The Global Associated News report said Watt had broken both legs.

Watt, who wasn’t in Miami Thursday, used his official Twitter account to quash the false report and reassure his followers that he was just fine.

Fake media reports. I'm perfectly fine, relaxing after morning training session & headed to an event for Houston Childrens Charities tonight—
JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 09, 2013

Ex-Titans wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins has reached a two-year deal with the Patriots. (Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The Patriots have reached a two-year deal with wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins, reports Jim Wyatt of the Nashville Tennessean. Hawkins was released by the Titans last week. He was drafted by Tennessee in the fourth round of the 2008 draft (126th overall) and has played for the team for the past five seasons.

From the Nashville Tennessean report:

Hawkins had a breakout season in 2011 when he caught 47 passes for 470 yards and a touchdown. He was rewarded the following offseason with a three-year, $7.2 million contract.

But the Titans decided to release Hawkins, who was scheduled to make $1.9 million in 2013, last week because of depth at the position, and his hefty salary.

Hawkins also visited the Texans and garnered interest from the Giants.

Texans safety Ed Reed underwent hip surgery and the team is concerned he could miss part of training camp. (Getty Images)

The Houston Texans are hoping safety Ed Reed will be able to recover from his reported hip surgery in time to be 100 percent by the time the season starts.

Reed will already miss the organized team activities and now the team is concerned he will miss valuable training camp time and part of the preseason.

Texans owner Bob McNair said Monday that Reed might not be ready until “the middle” of training camp, according to HoustonTexans.com.

Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips admitted he’s a “little concerned” because of the timing of Reed’s surgery.

Reed will be 35 in September and this will be his second hip surgery.  The nine-time Pro Bowler has only missed 16 games in his 11-year NFL career.  Reed signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the team in March, with $6 million in guarantees

“We didn’t expect it, but it started bothering him,” Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said. “That’s when we got aggressive in what we needed to do.”

Texans safety Ed Reed underwent hip surgery but is expected to be ready for training camp. (Getty Images)

Houston Texans free safety Ed Reed underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a small labral tear in his hip last week, reports John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

Reed will miss organized team activities but is expected to be healthy enough to participate in training camp. He missed the first seven weeks of the 2010 season while he recovered from reconstructive hip surgery to replace a torn labrum.

The nine-time Pro Bowler has only missed 16 games in his 11-year NFL career.  Second-round draft pick D.J. Swearinger is expected to get some reps while Reed recovers.

Reed signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the team in March, with $6 million in guarantees. He spent his entire career with the Baltimore Ravens before signing with the Texans, helping his former team to a Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers in February.

The Texans need help at receiver and Andre Johnson hopes the team drafts one next week. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans have the 27th pick in the first round of next week’s NFL Draft. If it was up to their franchise leader in receptions and yards, the team would be wise to draft another wide receiver.

It is a position of need for the team, as the Texans are short on depth outside of Andre Johnson.

The last time the team used a first-round selection on an offensive player was 2008 when they selected offensive tackle Duane Brown, with the 26th pick in the draft.

Johnson had 112 catches for 1,598 yards and four touchdowns last season.

The next two leading receivers on the team, tight end Owen Daniels and wideout Kevin Walter combined for 103 catches. Kevin Walter was waived for salary cap reasons this offseason.

“I’d like to have another (receiver),” Johnson said to the Houston Chronicle. “I’m all for it. I’ve asked for it for awhile. The more weapons we have, the better it’ll be for the team.

“If we’re able to add another guy, it would probably be the best group of receivers we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Johnson said. “Adding another guy (to go with) Posey, Lestar (Jean) and Keshawn – that’s a lot of talent. Not only would it be good for now, but it would be good for our future.”

The Houston Texans agreed to terms with former All-Pro punter Shane Lechler, according to Houston Chronicle reporter John McClain. Lechler and the Texans agreed to a three-year, $5.5 million deal that includes a $1 million signing bonus, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

Lechler, a Texas native and Texas A&M alum, was drafted in the fifth round by the Oakland Raiders in 2000. Lechler has spent his entire NFL career with Oakland, averaging 47.5 yards-per-punt over 13 seasons.

According to McClain, Texans GM Rick Smith wanted to sign Lechler four years ago before the punter re-signed with the Raiders.

Former Raiders Pro-Bowl P Shane Lechler is signing a 3-year, $5.5 million contract that includes a $1 million signing bonus with Texans.—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2013

GM Rick Smith wanted Lechler 4 years ago but he re-signed with Raiders.—
John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 23, 2013

After 11 years in Baltimore, safety Ed Reed has agreed to sign with the Houston Texans, according to CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora.

A two-year contract agreement is in place between the two sides, but “a few minor language issues” are still being worked out, La Canfora is reporting. The deal is believed to be worth between $4 and $6 million.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that Reed is “on the verge” of joining the Texans.

Future Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed has agreed to terms with the Texans, ending his Ravens career.—
Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 20, 2013

Ed Reed's financial advisor, Brad Davis, tells me just a few minor language issues being ironed out, but the deal is in place.—
Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 20, 2013

While there were reports of Reed getting in the $4 million range, I would not be surprised at all if its closer to $6M per year—
Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 20, 2013

Reed helped anchor the Ravens’ dominant defenses over the past decade, intercepting 61 passes to move into 10th place all-time. In his final season in Baltimore, the 34-year-old picked off four passes, including a second-quarter interception of Colin Kaepernick in the Super Bowl, and won his first Super Bowl ring.

Baltimore selected him with the 24th overall pick in the 2002 draft.

Reed leaves the 12th-ranked defense in points per game in 2012 for the 9th-ranked defense. Houston allowed 41 points in a divisional-round loss to the Patriots last season, with eight-year veteran Danieal Manning and five-year veteran Glover Quin as its starting safeties.

Free-agent Ed Reed is seeking a big payday from the next team that signs him. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Free-agent safety Ed Reed made $7.2 million last year in the final season of a six-year, $44.5 million deal and will be seeking a contract that compares to that salary, reports the Baltimore Sun.

The Houston Texans offered Reed a three-year deal worth $4 million per season, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Reed had 49 tackles and four interceptions last season for the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens. In 11 seasons, the nine-time Pro Bowler has 61 interceptions, which ranks 10th in NFL history.

Texans general manager Rick Smith and Reed’s agent David Dunn have spoken since they arrived at the NFL meetings this week, but they don’t appear close to working out a deal, at least not today. Dunn is checking with other clubs to see how much interest they have.

The Texans have made an offer that, according to two people familiar with the negotiations, is closer to $4 million a year than $5 million. Reed has been hoping to get a multiyear contract that averages $6 million to $7 million.

A league source tells ProFootballTalk that Nnamdi Asomugha’s potential destinations include Texans, 49ers, Broncos, and Cardinals.

The cornerback was released by the Eagles Tuesday, two years after signing a five-year, $60 million deal as the NFL’s most sought-after free agent.

Nomugha, a three-time Pro Bowler with the Raiders (2008-2010), was scheduled to make $15 million this season, including $4 million guaranteed.

CB Nnamdi Asomugha's potential destinations include Texans, 49ers, Broncos, and Cardinals, per league source.—
  (@ProFootballTalk) March 13, 2013

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing wants to see chop blocks eliminated. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The NFL Competition Committee is set to meet this week to discuss possible rules changes for the upcoming season.

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing wants to see one legal rule eliminated because it ended his season.

Cushing says that the chop block delivered to him last October by New York Jets guard Matt Slauson should be gone from the game. The block left Cushing with a torn left anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and put him out for the season.

Slauson was not flagged on the play, but was fined $10,000 by the NFL for the peel-back block.

“It’s just asking for an injury when you get guys this big, this fast going full speed at legs,” Cushing told USA TODAY . What do you think is going to happen?’ If my injury further prevents other injuries, then that’s success, and there can be some good to come out of my injury. Hopefully, my injury does change the rule and in the future will prevent tons and tons of knee injuries.”

Cushing hopes to be back to 100 percent by the time the season starts, but says he is still a week and a half away from returning to the field and running in a brace.

Former Notre Dame LB Manti Te’o is projected to be a late first round pick. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

If the Houston Texans decide to select former Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o in next month’s NFL Draft, he can expect to be ridiculed for years to come, according to one player.

Texans defensive end Antonio Smith said Te’o is likely get his fair share of getting talked about, no matter where he gets drafted. Te’o was the subject of a hoax earlier this year when reports came out saying a girlfriend he claimed had died of leukemia actually did not exist.

“Our locker room is full of clowns and, oh man, people would kill him,” Smith said on NBC Sports Network’s “Pro Football Talk.”, via NFL.com. “I mean, he would be the butt of every joke for at least two, three years.”

Smith said that Te’o fitting in a locker room will depend on how he handles the criticism.

“You just got to be a good sport, man,” Smith said. “It is what it is, and you know it is out now, it’s out in the papers and on TV. So, all you can do now, you can’t worry about it, you can’t change it, all you can do now is laugh — laugh with us while we’re laughing at you.”

Arian Foster is adapting bulletin-board material to the age of Twitter, changing his avatar or profile picture on Monday to a screenshot of a Boston journalist’s column lambasting the Houston Texans as “frauds.”

The Texans running back Foster took exception to a piece from Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy that called the Texans “pure frauds” and the “worst 11-1 team in the history of the NFL” as they prepare to take on the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs this Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

Here’s the opening excerpt from Shaughnessy’s column to which Foster changed his avatar:

The 2012-13 New England Patriots just became the first team in NFL history to get back-to-back byes before advancing to the conference championship game.

Could this get any easier?

I mean, seriously? The planets are aligned and the tomato cans are in place. The fraudulent Houston Texans are the only team standing between the New England Patriots and a trip to the AFC Championship game. All the Patriots have to do is beat the terrible Texans. One week from Sunday. At Gillette Stadium.

And a look at Foster’s new avatar:

The Patriots and Texans faced off in a much-anticipated matchup in Week 14 this season in Foxboro, where the Patriots walloped to a 42-14 victory that sent the Texans spiraling to a 1-3 finish to the season.

Throughout the day, Foster continued to mock the column on Twitter, tying it to the BCS national championship game:

The tomato cans are in place for Bama.

— Arian Foster (@ArianFoster) January 8, 2013

For his part, Shaughnessy also took note of the avatar change and playfully responded to Foster:

hey @arianfoster — Loving the avatar. Bring your A game to Foxboro on Sunday.

— Dan Shaughnessy (@Dan_Shaughnessy) January 7, 2013

Texans running back Arian Foster left Sunday’s game against the Vikings after experiencing an irregular heartbeat. He left in the third quarter of the team’s 23-6 loss. Foster had gained 15 yards on 10 carries and also made two receptions for 14 yards before leaving.

Foster has experienced the problem in practice before, but said Sunday’s occurrence was a “minor situation.” On Monday, he tweeted that things were back to normal:

I appreciate all the concern and support. I am doing well. Saw a cardiologist today and everything is back to normal.—
Arian Foster (@ArianFoster) December 24, 2012

Foster is the team’s leading rusher with 1,328 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Texans have clinched the AFC South and take on division rival Indianapolis in the final game of the regular season.

Matt Schaub said he wouldn’t want Ndamukong Suh on his team. (Gregory Schamus, Getty Images)

Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub has come out firmly against Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in a recent interview, slamming the player who kicked him in the groin in the Texans’ Thanksgiving Day win over the Lions.

“You don’t want a player like that,” Schaub told Houston’s Sports Radio 610 AM. “The stuff that he stands for and the type of player he is, that’s not Houston Texan worthy. That’s not what we’re about as a football team, as individuals, as collectively as a group. We’re not that type of person.”

Suh has been named the NFL’s dirtiest player in a slew of polls, and will likely face NFL discipline for the incident with Schaub.

The Lions-Texans Thanksgiving game has produced arguably the season’s strangest call since the NFL owners lifted the lockout to allow full-time officials back on the field.

With the Lions leading 24-14 in the third quarter, the Texans’ Justin Forsett took a hand-off and ran up the middle for what appeared to be tackled after an 8-yard gain. When no officials blew the whistle, Forsett alertly extended the play running 81 yards for a touchdown.

Officials ruled the play a touchdown on the field, despite Forsett’s knee and elbow hitting the Ford Field turf.  A reversal appeared to be in order upon the automatic replay review following all scoring plays.

Unreal ruling. RT @AlbertBreer Booing couldn't be louder here. How is that not reviewable? If I were Schwartz, I'd get thrown out now.—
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2012

Before replay officials could review the play, Lions coach Jim Schwartz threw his red challenge flag, which by rule, calls for a 15-yard penalty and nullifying the automatic review.

rule is if the coach throws the flag before the Replay official initiates a review,the play cannot be reviewed. This will change.—
Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) November 22, 2012

Replay cannot initiate review of ruling against team that commits foul that delays next snap, such as illegal challenge flag—
Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) November 22, 2012

As a result of Schwartz challenging a play that was automatically reviewed, the touchdown ruling stood and the Texans drew to within three points, 24-21.

Tim Dobbins was fined $30K for a hit on Jay Cutler. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Tackling Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler hasn’t come without its consequences lately.

Three weeks after NFL bad boy Ndamukong Suh of the Detroit Lions was publicly criticized for what the Bears’ Brandon Marshall said was a “wrestling” hit on his quarterback, the Houston Texans’ Tim Dobbins has now been fined $30,000 by the league for a Nov. 11 hit on Cutler that left the quarterback in a concussion, according to a tweet Wednesday afternoon from Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.

Dobbins, who will reportedly appeal the fine, claims he didn’t hit Cutler in the helmet-to-helmet incident, rather Cutler ran into him. There was an illegal forward pass call on Cutler after the play because he had crossed the line of scrimmage, as well as an unncessary roughness call.

According to CSNChicago, Dobbins said he hit Cutler because he thought he was going to make a run for it on third down and that it seemed that Cutler had already crossed the line of scrimmage. Dobbins also contends that he didn’t lead with his helmet and that although he’s worried about it, he still believes it was a clean hit:

“I did not hit him in his head, and actually he ran into me. I just felt like he was going to take off and run with the ball and I thought he was past the line.”

Cutler hadn’t displayed signs of a concussion immediately after the play, but he was held out of the second half after tests done during intermission showed otherwise. Acording to ESPN, Dobbins said he’s happy that he was able to take Cutler out of the game, which the Texans won, adding that it’s something he always wants to do.

“But it was good that he was out, though. I mean you always want to take the quarterback out of the game. I hit him in his chest. I did not hit him in his head. Nowhere near it. I did not touch his helmet.”

Bears coach Lovie Smith said Wednesday that Cutler is “getting better” but that his status is still uncertain for Monday night when the team will be in San Francisco for a game against the 49ers.

NFL fined Texans LB Tim Dobbins $30,000 for hitting Jay Cutler – even though Dobbins claimed Cutler ran into him.—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 14, 2012

Texans LB Tim Dobbins will appeal his $30K fine for the hit on Jay Cutler. Not a surprise, considering Dobbins' take on it.—
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 14, 2012

Danieal Manning was fined Wednesday 15,000 by the NFL. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Houston Texans safety Danieal Manning has been fined $15,000 by the NFL for punching Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Marshall Newshouse during their matchup Oct. 14, according to a report Wednesday afternoon from Dale Robertson of The Houston Chronicle:

“I was hating on him at that moment,” Manning said, “but it’s over. Things like that happen all the time in games.”

Manning was at the bottom of the pile with the 319-pound Newhouse appearing to take his time getting up. He said he expected to be fined because he was flagged for a personal foul on the play. But he plans to appeal the fine to explain why it happened. He said he was “hating on him” at the moment for taking his time to get up but admitted that they crossed paths later on in the game and apologized.

The NFL has fined Jets offensive lineman Matt Slauson $10,000 for his cut block that knocked Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing out for the rest of the season, according to a Jay Glazer tweet:

The league is hitting Jets OL Matt Slauson with a $10k fine for his peel back shot on Brian Cushing.—
Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) October 11, 2012

Texans have said its an illegal shot and apparently nfl agrees. 10k for Slauson, which is standard fine for peel back block—
Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) October 11, 2012

ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that Slauson will appeal the fine.

Jets G Matt Slauson appealing the $10,000 fine the league hit him and @JayGlazer reported on.—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2012

The NFL began the process of reviewing the block earlier this week.

Slauson said he considered the block to be clean and legal. Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said the block was “unnecessary.”

Jets coach Rex Ryan says the chop block that ending Brian Cushing’s season was not dirty. (Alex Trautwig/Getty Images)

New York Jets guard Matt Slauson is being called out by players like Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews for using a chop block on Houston Texas linebacker Brian Cushing that tore Cushing’s ACL and ended his season.

Slauson’s coach Rex Ryan said there was nothing dirty about the block, which occurred in the second quarter of the Texans’ 23-17 victory over the Jets Monday night.

“I would never question our guys as far as trying to injure someone or try and do something not in the confinement of the rules,” Ryan said on ESPN radio Tuesday. “I would have to say I would definitely question (the flack Slauson is getting), I never saw anything specifically (when) I was just watching our game tape. I’ll say this — we got rolled up a few times in our game, and sometimes in this game you gotta be fortunate to avoid some injury.”

Texans coach Gary Kubiak declined to say if the hit was illegal and said that’s something for the NFL to decide.

“That’s in the league’s hands,” Kubiak said Wednesday. “It doesn’t change the fact that we’re sitting here today having to deal with losing a heck of a player.”

Brian Cushing could be out for the season with an ACL tear. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing faces a possible ACL tear and an end to his season, according to a report Tuesday morning from  NBCSports.com:

A source told PFT’s Mike Florio that the Texans’ medical staff fears Cushing suffered a torn ACL in Monday night’s win over the Jets.

The team will have a better idea today when Cushing receives an MRI on his knee. He was seen limping off the field and into the locker room in Monday’s win against the Jets. New York’s offensive lineman Matt Slauson hit Cushing in the back of the knee, which sent Cushing to the ground in what appeared to be a serious injury. Texans coach Gary Kubiak said he is “very concerned” about the injury, according to Fox Sports:

”I don’t know what happened,” Kubiak said. ”They tell me he cut on a play and his foot might have got stuck in the turf.”

While it’s possible Cushing’s injury may not be season-ending, it appears as if he’ll be out next week when the Texans play the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The loss would be a significant blow to the Texans, as Cushing has been one of Houston’s more reliable defensemen over the past few years.

Several Texans accused Titans tackle David Stewart of playing dirty during the Texans’ 38-14 win Sunday. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Several members of the Houston Texans alleged that Tennessee Titans offensive tackle David Stewart played “dirty” on Sunday, claiming that, among other things, he pulled on linebacker Brooks Reed’s hair.

The Houston Chronicle rounded up reactions from the Texans’ defense. First, from defensive end Antonio Smith:

“I saw some things I’ve never seen before. I saw him try to pull [Reed’s] hair out, tried to ride somebody’s back, which I thought was kind of funny, actually.”

Next, from outside linebacker Connor Barwin:

“Everybody will say it — he’s a dirty player. He threw a punch at me. He threw a punch at Brooks [Reed].”

Safety Danieal Manning, meanwhile, said he saw Stewart “knee” cornerback Johnathan Joseph:

“One play, I saw J-Joe [ Joseph] making a tackle, and [Stewart] was around the pile, and he was trying to help [running back] Chris Johnson up,” said safety Danieal Manning. “J-Joe was down. He was kneeing J-Joe, and I said, ‘This guy’s crazy.’”

The Texans blew out the Titans 38-14 in the contest, pushing their record to a perfect 4-0. The Titans, meanwhile, fell to 1-3.

Matt Schaub signed an extension to his contract with the Texans this afternoon (Bob Levey, Getty Images)

Matt Schaub led the Houston Texans to a 30-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins this afternoon. Then he ensured he’d be around for many future Texans victories.

The veteran quarterback signed a four-year, $30 million extension to his contract that could see him make up to $62 million over the course of the deal, the Texans announced today.

Widely considered to be among the top quarterbacks in the NFL, Schaub joined the Texans in 2007 after three years with the Atlanta Falcons. He led the Texans to their first playoff appearance ever last season, though he was injured during the playoffs themselves.

Texans running back Arian Foster says he expects to play in Sunday’s season opener against the Dolphins, according to HoustonTexans.com reporter, Nick Scurfield.

#Texans @ArianFoster: "I expect to play on Sunday."—
Nick Scurfield (@NickScurfield) September 07, 2012

Foster left Thursday’s practice with a minor knee injury, though Texans coach Gary Kubiak said, “He’s ok,” shortly after. Foster also skipped Friday workouts due to lingering soreness.

NFL.com‘s Ian Rapoport also reported that Foster wasn’t too concerned about the injury:

#Texans RB Arian Foster is telling friends that his knee is "fine," I'm told. Foster doesn't view it as something he's worried about—
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 07, 2012

If Foster is limited, however, second-team running back Ben Tate (942 yards, 13 receptions in 2011) isn’t a bad back-up according to CBS Sports’ Will Brinson:

Whether Arian Foster plays or not, loving Ben Tate as a flex play this week. Texans lead + limiting Foster = carries galore—
Will Brinson (@willbrinson) September 07, 2012

Foster rushed for 1,224 yards and had 53 receptions in 13 games last season. He missed three games due to a hamstring injury.

Texans tackle Rashad Butler is out for the season. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Houston Texans offensive tackle Rashad Butler is out for the season after tearing the triceps in his right arm, reports the Houston Chronicle‘s John McClain.

Butler had lost a competition to start at right tackle and was slated to be a backup.

McClain reports that Andrew Gardner is now slotted into the role of “swing tackle,” though the team could look to add a veteran.

“He had a good camp,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “We’ve got to find a way to work through (Butler’s injury).”

Butler started four games in 2010. He missed the last 14 games of last season after suffering a triceps tear in his left arm.

Texans left tackle Duane Brown received a contract extension worth $53.4 million, with $22 million guaranteed. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Houston Texans left tackle Duane Brown received a contract extension on Thursday for six years worth $53.4 million, reports the Houston Chronicle.

“We are thrilled to have solidified our offensive line with this extension for Duane,” said Texans Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Rick Smith in a statement. “We believe Duane is an outstanding young left tackle who has the determination, commitment and ability to develop into one of the NFL’s top performers. It’s also an exciting day for our organization. We’ve laid the foundation for sustained success and this is an important step in building on that and toward a championship.”

Brown, 26, started all 16 games for the Texans and was named a second-team All-Pro last season. The extension starts after this season. Brown will make $2.08 million this year, and will receive a guarantee of $22 million.

After an injury-plagued 2011-2012 season, the Houston Texans’ Andre Johnson is starting off on the trainer’s table again. John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that the wide receiver was forced to leave Sunday’s practice with a groin injury.

Andre Johnson suffered a slight groin injury and was taken out of practice as a precaution, according to Gary Kubiak.—
John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) July 29, 2012

McClain later reported that Johnson walked off the field with a limp. When asked about his status, Johnson said he did not know the extent of the damage.

Johnson appeared in only seven games last season, amassing 33 receptions for 492 yards. Johnson figures to be the Texans’ main threat at the wide receiver position this season, along with the veteran Kevin Walter.

There is no love lost between Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and his former player Johnathan Joseph. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Former Cincinnati Bengals and current Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph isn’t shying away from what he thinks about his former team.

“The first thing about Houston is it’s an organization run from a different perspective,” Joseph said to The Herald. “In Cincy, the team lives off money it earns from football. Houston’s owner has other business interests and he controls the money. Numerous things that go on such as the way Houston interacts with my family; we’re treated in a first-class way. In Cincy, we’re told how much Gatorade we could take home. In Houston, we get what we request. You get soap and deodorant at your request. You don’t have a roommate on road trips.”

Joseph left the Bengals in 2011 to sign a five-year, $48.75 million contract with the Texans and completed his first season there by being selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time.

His former coach in Cincinnati wasn’t too pleased at all with those comments.

“I was told this morning about Johnathan’s comments that were printed,” Lewis told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “It’s my fault that I feel that a player doesn’t need to take a dozen Gatorades home in his backpack each night and that we are paying him a salary. I’m sure that Johnathan would not have been one of the abusive players but it is my policy.”

The Houston Texans, fresh off the first postseason appearance in franchise history, rewarded head coach Gary Kubiak and general manager Rick Smith with contract extensions, according to a tweet by ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.

Texans announced contract extensions for HC Gary Kubiak and GM Rick Smith.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 14, 2012

The Texans finished 10-6 last season to win the AFC South division title. Houston beat Cincinnati 31-10 in the first round of the playoffs before falling 20-13 to Baltimore the following week.

Kubiak has coached the team for six seasons. He led the team above .500 for the first time in 2009, but when the team fell to 6-10 the following season, many called for his firing.

Smith stayed loyal, and the team turned around in 2011. Smith became Texans’ GM in 2006. Among his moves was trading for quarterback Matt Schaub in 2007. He also drafted 2009 Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing.

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing had an MRI on his knee. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing had an MRI on his knee after it bothered him some during offseason workouts, the team said in a statement, according to a report by Pro Football Talk‘s Mike Florio.

“No, just his knee got sore on him; and I’m going to err on that side this time of year, so we sent him down for an MRI,” Houston coach Gary Kubiak said, via comments distributed by the team.  ”He did come out and watch practice, and it gives some other guys a chance to get some reps.”

Cushing was the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year in 2009. He was suspended for four games the following season after testing positive for steroids. He has never missed a game because of injury.

Mike Sims-Walker will work out with the Houston Texans on Wednesday. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans will work out former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker on Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday night.

The Texans are looking for another veteran wide receiver to add to their receiving corps after releasing Jacoby Jones, who signed with the Ravens. The Texans drafted two Big Ten wide receivers in April’s NFL Draft — third-round pick DeVier Posey from Ohio State and fourth-round pick Keshawn Martin, from Michigan State.

Houston is also currently without Pro Bowl wideout Andre Johnson, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this month. He is not expected to miss any time this season. But Johnson did miss nine games last year with injuries to both hamstrings.

Sims-Walker played in six games last year with the Jaguars and St. Louis Rams, catching 12 balls for 150 yards and no touchdowns. The Rams released him after four games. He returned to Jacksonville, but a knee injury ended his season.

Sims-Walker burst on to the scene in 2009, when he had 63 receptions for 869 yards and seven touchdowns. But he caught only 43 passes the next season for 562 yards.

Houston officials plan to bid for Reliant Stadium to host the 2017 Super Bowl. (Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)

Houston will try to bring the Super Bowl to Reliant Stadium in 2017, and work on the city’s proposal will begin soon, sources tell the Houston Chronicle’s David Barron.

“That is something that is coming up. It’s in the calendar,” Edgar Colon, the chairman of the group that oversees the Reliant Park, told Barron. “(That is) the next one that is up for bid and we intend to participate and to participate forcefully and aggressively to bring the Super Bowl to Houston.”

Houston hosted the Super Bowl in 2004 and unsuccessfully bid to host the 2009, 2010 and 2012 games. Officials also said they were potentially interested in hosting the 2016 Final Four.

The NFL is expected to announce the host of Super Bowl L, to be played in 2016, by May 2013. No timeline for naming the host of the following year’s game has been announced.

One possible complication to Houston’s bid is widespread belief that Dallas plans to bid for Super Bowl L. There is speculation the NFL would not want to hold the Super Bowl in Texas in consecutive years. If Dallas is successful, Houston’s chances could be hurt.

Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson will be out for three to four weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, according to the Associated Press.

The operation will cause Johnson to miss the Texans’ organized team activities (OTAs), which began today. Johnson had the procedure two weeks ago.

A five-time Pro Bowler, Johnson missed nine games last season due to hamstring injuries. He then hyperextended his knee in a Nov. 27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Johnson finished last season with 33 catches for 492 yards and two touchdowns.

Quarterback Matt Schaub also sat out today’s workout, recovering from surgery on his right foot. Both Schaub and Johnson are expected to be ready for training camp in August.

After being released two weeks ago by the Washington Redskins, quarterback John Beck has found a new job — Beck has agreed to a contract with the Houston Texans, according to Jay Drew of the Salt Lake Tribune.

Beck was released by the Redskins on draft night — the Skins selected Baylor’s Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft before surprisingly adding Kirk Cousins from Michigan State as well, in round four.

In Houston, Beck is unlikely to see much time under center — Matt Schaub is the incumbent QB, and Beck will have to compete for the backup role with T.J. Yates.

Beck was the Miami Dolphins’ second-round pick in the 2007 draft. He completed 80 of 132 passes for the Redskins last year for four interceptions and two touchdowns.

After five seasons with the Houston Texans, Jacoby Jones is moving on — he’s got a new two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Former Texans WR Jacoby Jones reached agreement with the Ravens on a two-year, $7 million deal, per league source.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 08, 2012

Jones, the Texans’ third-round pick in the 2007 draft, was used primarily as a kick and punt returner during his five years in Houston. Of his 5,091 career all-purpose yards, 1,820 have come from returning punts, and 1,490 from kicks; he also has four career return touchdowns.

Jones, an alum of Div. II Lane College, turns 28 in July. It’s unclear what role he’ll play on the Ravens, who are already well stocked with receivers including Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta.

The Houston Texans have signed veteran kicker Shayne Graham, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

A former Pro Bowler, the 34-year-old Graham hasn’t had a regular kicking job since 2009, the last of his seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. The journeyman has been with 13 different teams in his 12-year NFL career, most of them very briefly.

On the Texans, Graham will compete for the kicking duties with incoming rookie Randy Bullock, the team’s fifth-round pick out of Texas A&M.

“[Graham] has had some success in this league, and I think the competition will be good for them,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “I want to see them compete because it should bring out the best in them.”

Graham was 6-for-7 on field-goal attempts last year, kicking for the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens.