"Cornerback Demarcus Faggins, an original Texan, has returned from a hamstring injury with three good practices. After struggling last season and getting bombarded with criticism by fans and media, Faggins is competing for a job on the team.

“He seems to be OK health-wise,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “We’re going to have some tough calls (at cornerback), so those guys have to play a lot. It’s going to be a tough group to make, so they’ve got to step up and do it.”

Veteran Jamar Fletcher and rookie Antwaun Molden are reserve cornerbacks who have excelled in camp. Molden is nursing a nagging groin injury, but the coaches are hoping he can play Saturday against Denver.

“We held Molden out,” Kubiak said. “We want to do everything we can so he can play.”

Expensive cheerleader

Expect receiver Andre Johnson to be stuck on the sideline against the Broncos. Since suffering a groin injury last week, he has been running during practice.

The doctors don’t want to rush him back and take a chance on aggravating the injury.

“He’s better, but as of now, there’s a very slim chance that he’ll play,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “If we were playing a regular-season game, we’d be pushing him.”

Weary injured

Guard Fred Weary has been struggling since camp began. He was supposed to be 100 percent recovered from surgery to repair his tibia and fibula, an injury he suffered at Tennessee in early December.

“It’s a concern right now,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “We thought he was in position where we could work him into it slowly. Obviously, he had other setbacks because of the surgery. He has a hamstring issue right now.”"