"Andre Johnson ran on a side field for the second day in a row at Methodist Training Center, but Texans coach Gary Kubiak was no closer Thursday to determining a return date for his All-Pro wide receiver.

"Obviously, he'd have to make a lot of improvement, but the fact that we have him out here this week means that we're getting closer to him being on the field," Kubiak said. "I would not expect him to practice tomorrow, probably give you a decision after that, but we're heading in the right direction."

Elsewhere, tight end Joel Dreessen, who banged his knee Sunday against Cincinnati, didn't practice Thursday. He was limited Wednesday as well.

"His knee is still swollen," Kubiak said. "Joel doesn't need to practice to play, so that was the decision that we made to make sure that we get the swelling down before Sunday, but I would expect him to be there.""