"This is a tricky time for Brooks Reed.

When Mario Williams tore his pectoral muscle against the Oakland Raiders, Reed, the Texans' rookie outside linebacker, went from understudy to starring role.

Reed has vowed to continue to do the same things that endeared him to the organization in the first place, but he admits that might not be enough when filling in for a former No. 1 overall draft choice.

"I'm trying to keep it simple for myself," Reed said Tuesday. "I'm not trying to put myself on a pedestal. I'm not saying I have to produce the same as Mario or I fail. All I can do is tell myself to practice as hard as I can and play my hardest on Sunday.

"There is some pressure, but I'm trying to stay levelheaded.""