"On Wednesday at Methodist Training Center, Texans coach Gary Kubiak confirmed that star wide receiver Andre Johnson underwent a procedure in Dallas to hasten the healing of a slight tear in his right hamstring.

"He should be back here sometime maybe this afternoon, and we start our rehab and move forward," Kubiak said.

But the mood within the Texans' locker room wasn't as somber as one might expect.

"We get paid, too," wide receiver Kevin Walter said. "We're no slappies out there, and we can get the job done. Is he one of the best players on this team and in the league? Yes, absolutely Dre is. But we can get it done, too."

It was essentially the same message Kubiak delivered earlier in the afternoon - albeit with a bit more finesse. But first, the coach explained that Johnson's procedure went well. There is no timeline for his return, but everyone involved, from Johnson to his doctor to the Texans, feels good about what happened."