Kirksey out Week 9

The Texans have ruled LB Christian Kirksey out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins with his fractured thumb. It's a little surprising after Kirksey played through the injury last week (after it occurred at the end of the Week 7 game). It's tough to know what the LB playing time will look like with Kirksey out. According to the Houston Chronicle, Neville Hewitt "was prepared to play in place of Kirksey last week," when Kirksey played with a "club" on his injured hand. So it appears Hewitt -- rather than Zach Cunningham -- will be the 2nd LB alongside Kamu Grugier-Hill.