"When the Texans report Monday for the first day of their offseason conditioning program, middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and cornerback Dunta Robinson won't be there.

Ryans and Robinson, who are defensive leaders and among the team's elite players, aren't expected to participate in the offseason program because they're unhappy with their contract situations.

"I've talked to both of them," coach Gary Kubiak said. "I understand the issue. The offseason program is voluntary. I'd love to have them here. Their teammates would love to have them here. We'll work through it."

The next time Robinson and Ryans will be on a field together will be April 18. Along with receiver Andre Johnson, they host their First and Ten Youth Minicamp for 300 kids ages 7-14. The event was a huge success for them last year.

Disdains 'franchise' tag

Robinson, who'll enter his sixth season, turned down the Texans' long-term offer and was designated as the franchise player in February. He blasted general manager Rick Smith for franchising him after initially telling him he would not be tagged.

Smith admitted he changed his mind about franchising Robinson after the cornerback rejected the deal.

Robinson, who has become heavily involved with the March of Dimes, will receive a one-year contract of $9.957 million — the average of the five highest-paid cornerbacks in the league — when he finally signs.

"I can't give you a definitive answer right now," Robinson said Tuesday when asked how long he may stay out. "I've got to feel good about my situation before I do (report), and I don't know when that'll be.

"I realize this is a business, but there was a lot of emotion — a lot of negative feelings — that came out (when he was franchised). I don't want to go through that again."

Robinson is going to work out at a speed school in Newark, N.J., until he feels it's time for him to report.

Ryans, who'll enter his fourth season, also rejected the Texans' offer for a long-term extension. He's scheduled to make $1.39 million next season.

Fortunately for the Texans, neither player is threatening to hold out during the regular season.

"It's just the workout program right now," Kubiak said. "It's not like football stuff's getting done, anyway. It's just conditioning."

The only thing that's mandatory in the offseason is the minicamp. If Robinson doesn't sign, he won't be under contract, so he won't be required to attend the three-day minicamp.

Ryans is under contract. If he misses the minicamp, he'll be fined.

Two weeks of organized team activities in May aren't mandatory. Ideally, Ryans and Robinson will be at training camp if they miss the offseason program. "