Eugene Wilson News

Colts tight end Dallas Clark is slammed by Texan free safety Eugene Wilson in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans on November 8, 2009.

The defensive improvement is amazing considering the Texans still don't have a pass rush.

Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle The defense has been among the NFL's best the last five games.

But the rust showed during a failed two-minute drill, and the 49ers are working to correct the problems before heading to Indianapolis.

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing and wide receiver Andre Johnson returned to full practice on Friday and are both expected to be ready for the team's road game at Buffalo on Sunday.

Key stat: The Texans held the 49ers to 1 yard of offense. Key player: Mario Williams set the early tone by dumping Shaun Hill for a 6-yard loss on the Niners' first play from scrimmage.

Receiver Andre Johnson did not practice today because of a bruised lung. Andre Davis took his place in the lineup across from Kevin Walter.

Perhaps it was appropriate that the former president Bushes were in attendance for yesterday's Houston Texans game.

Mario Williams didn't bring his program onto the field Sunday afternoon, so he wasn't sure what was happening when No.

The Texans moved to 4-3 for the second time in franchise history with a 24-21 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

FBN49ers-Texans,0242 Texans hold on to beat 49ers 24-21 Eds: APNewsNow. Texans 24, 49ers 21.

Texans strong safety Bernard Pollard was feeling poorly during meetings Thursday morning, so he was sent home before practice.

While all three had their issues from time to time, they won more battles in the running game than expected while Meyers had a couple of very nice blocks out in front of some screen passes.

Three of the NFL's best receivers played at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, and all three performed like it.

In the first half of Sunday's 28-21 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the Texans surrendered 297 yards and three touchdowns.

The first confirmed case of swine flu afflicts an NFL player, and sports and entertainment companies are scrambling for answers to the pandemic.

Brian Cushing, the first-round draft choice who leads the team in tackles, was told to stay home Wednesday by the team's medical staff.

Brace yourself for flu season. State health officials say it's shaping up to be like no other: Two influenza strains -- swine flu and seasonal flu -- circulating in the air at the same time.

Texans rookie linebacker Brian Cushing stayed home from practice Wednesday with flu-like symptoms.

Antonio Smith, the Texans' major offseason acquisition – signing the biggest contract the team has ever given a free agent – had his first major impact on a game, helping the Texans defense dominate Oakland in a 29-6 victory.