"Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans is not in the spotlight as much as in recent seasons, but coach Gary Kubiak said Ryans is just as effective on the field.

Last year, Ryans had 60 tackles and one sack after seven games. This season, he has 47 tackles and no sacks.

“He’s getting more help now than he has in the past,” Kubiak said. “Back then he was having to make all those tackles, but I think Zac (Diles) has become a fine, fine player. So, he’s taking a lot of pressure and made a lot of plays, from that standpoint. We’re playing better up front right now than we’ve played in a while around here. So, he’s got a lot more help, but believe me, he’s still playing well and I expect some big things out of him the rest of the way.”

Ryans has had a sore ankle since the season began, but Kubiak said injuries haven’t been a major issue with him.

“You’ve got to understand he’s played every snap for this football team going on 21/2 years,” Kubiak said. “He’s played a lot of football, and it’s that time of the season in the National Football League when you get to week 8, 9 and 10 where everybody is really dragging and tired and beat up.

“You just kind of have to keep plugging and you seem to get a second wind towards the end. He’s in that boat right now. We’ve got to just keep going, but I think he’s OK.”"