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Andre Johnson News & Rumors

Johnson shakes off subpar first half, scores touchdown in playoff debut
January 8
Houston Chronicle
 
"The first clue that something might be amiss surfaced on the Texans' very first series Sunday. T.J. Yates targeted Andre Johnson and misfired high. Not too high, but high enough that it would have required a spectacular catch from Johnson, of whom the spectacular is expected. "It's 80, man," fellow wide receiver Jacoby Jones said repeatedly following Saturday's 31-10 AFC wild-card victory against Cincinnati, as if no other explanation was necessary. But the ball glanced off Johnson's hands. "Whenever I touch the ball, I feel like I should make the play," he said. Reliant Stadium, deafening at times throughout, was momentarily silenced."
Fittingly, Johnson stars in Texans' first playoff win
January 8
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Jerome Solomon
"Andre Johnson burst out of his stance and ran toward Adam Jones. He slowed down and quickly stutter-stepped to make Jones believe he was coming to a halt to make a move. But he didn't stop. Instead, he streaked down the sideline, leaving a stunned Jones in his wake, hauled in a pass from T.J. Yates and burst past another defender near the goal line for a touchdown. He stood still, stared at the roaring sellout crowd of 71,725, soaked it all in and acted as if he had been there before. After a torturous nine years in the NFL, Johnson had finally arrived. In the end zone. In the playoffs. And the Texans, a 10-year-old franchise that had been run down, roasted and ridiculed through so many"
After eight trying years, Texans star Johnson set to make his playoff debut
January 5
Houston Chronicle
 
"Led by a rookie quarterback on an improbable 13-play, 80-yard touchdown drive with two seconds in regulation to spare, the Texans sprinted off the field at Paul Brown Stadium on Dec. 11 after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals. Once inside their locker room, the Texans huddled around a television, coaches and players alike watching the final seconds of New Orleans' win over Tennessee. They erupted in cheers once the outcome was official, because for the first time in franchise history, the AFC South was theirs. They were headed to the playoffs, another first, and Gary Kubiak started handing out game balls. The first went to owner Bob McNair for obvious reasons. The second went to T.J. Yates,"
Texans' Johnson will start against Titans, fine-tune? for the playoffs
December 31
Houston Chronicle
 
"Were this any other Texans season, Andre Johnson would think it was a lost season, one to be quickly swept under the rug. Hamstring injuries in both legs have made 2011 Johnson's least productive year in the NFL. He'll be making just his seventh start — yes, barring anything unexpected happening between now and noon Sunday, he will start — against Tennessee, and he'll need to catch nine balls just to reach 40. That still would be 20 fewer receptions than he had in any of his eight previous seasons. But Johnson, the Texans' highest-profile and most decorated player since he arrived as the team's No. 1 draft choice in 2003, is at least receiving a second chance, a do-over. Because the young"
Andre Johnson out again
December 17
Houston Chronicle
 
"As expected, receiver Andre Johnson will miss Sunday's Carolina game with a strained left hamstring. It will be the eighth game he's missed. Jacoby Jones will start in place of Johnson for the eighth time. "I'd love to see (Johnson) come back and play in a couple games and get some reps before we get to January," coach Gary Kubiak said. "We need to make sure when he comes back, he's here for the long haul. "It'll be week-to-week, but we're getting close.""
Andre Johnson ruled out for Sunday
December 16
Houston Chronicle
 
"Andre Johnson ran on a side field for the second day in a row at Methodist Training Center, but Texans coach Gary Kubiak was no closer Thursday to determining a return date for his All-Pro wide receiver. "Obviously, he'd have to make a lot of improvement, but the fact that we have him out here this week means that we're getting closer to him being on the field," Kubiak said. "I would not expect him to practice tomorrow, probably give you a decision after that, but we're heading in the right direction." Elsewhere, tight end Joel Dreessen, who banged his knee Sunday against Cincinnati, didn't practice Thursday. He was limited Wednesday as well. "His knee is still swollen," Kubiak said. "Joel"
Texans WR Johnson will not play against Bengals
December 10
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans receiver Andre Johnson will not play at Cincinnati because of the strained hamstring in his left leg. Johnson, who was injured after catching four passes for 97 yards in Sunday's 17-10 victory over Atlanta, will miss his seventh game because of hamstring injuries. "It's very disappointing," Johnson said after Friday's practice. "You work your butt off to get back after missing six games, and then to have something like this to happen again is very frustrating. "At the same time, the team's in a great position, and I'm just trying to do everything I can to get back. I'm rehabbing. I ran a little bit today on the treadmill." Jacoby Jones will start his seventh game in place of"
Andre Johnson has mild hamstring strain, is day to day
December 5
Houston Chronicle
 
"Coach Gary Kubiak said today Andre Johnson's MRI showed a mild hamstring strain and the receiver will be "day to day" for Sunday's game at Cincinnati. "We'll know more when we see him Wednesday," Kubiak said about the first day of practice. "We feel very fortunate.""
Texans star receiver Andre Johnson hurt in 17-10 victory
December 5
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans won 17-10 over Atlanta on Sunday, but they have another loss to overcome. Receiver Andre Johnson left the game with another leg injury. Johnson was running a deep route and he pulled up, went down and started limping. He got up and limped off the field. It was his left leg."
Texans WR Johnson shakes injury, in lineup vs. Jaguars
November 27
NFL.com
 
"Wide receiver Andre Johnson was active Sunday at Jacksonville, marking his first game back in the Houston Texans' lineup since Oct. 2. Johnson, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, missed six games with a hamstring injury. It's the most time he has missed in a season since 2007."
WR Andre Johnson back in lineup
November 26
ESPN.com
 
"Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson will return to his starting job after taking every snap in practice this week. He's been out for six games with a hamstring injury. Free safety Danieal Manning will also return to the starting lineup at Jacksonville after missing time with an ankle injury. Coach Gary Kubiak said they will count Manning's plays. He will start but he won't take every snap."
Just another Monday? Not with Leinart in the fold and Johnson back
November 22
Houston Chronicle
 
"The ball arrived on time, and the route was precise. On most days at Methodist Training Center, such a sequence is routine and forgettable, but it was memorable Monday. Under the watchful eyes of Texans owner Bob McNair and Gary Kubiak – both of whom stood at midfield – freshly anointed starting quarterback Matt Leinart uncorked a tight spiral in route to Andre Johnson, who plucked the ball out of the air and turned upfield all in one motion. "No. 80 is back!" shouted running back Arian Foster. Johnson rejoined his teammates Monday, back at full speed after whatwill likely amount to a six-game layoff from a hamstring injury incurred Oct. 2 against Pittsburgh. The All-Pro wide receiver is"
Texans prepare for another game without Johnson
November 12
Houston Chronicle
 
"In the five games the Texans have played this season without injured receiver Andre Johnson, the defense has allowed 248.4 yards per game, ranking first in the NFL during that stretch. In the four games the Texans have played with Johnson, the defense has surrendered 344.5 yards, ranking 10th. When the Texans play at Tampa Bay on Sunday, Johnson will sit out his sixth consecutive game since suffering a hamstring injury in a victory over Pittsburgh in the fourth game of the season. "What they've done over the last five weeks has been awesome," Johnson said after practice Friday. "A lot of people didn't think we'd be in the position we're in when I went down because of things that have"
Andre Johnson won't play Sunday but should be back for Jacksonville
November 11
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans coach Gary Kubiak said after practice today that wide receiver Andre Johnson will not play at Tampa Bay on Sunday. Kubiak said Johnson is doing "wonderful" and will benefit from the upcoming bye week. He said Johnson is expected to be 100 percent when the Texans play at Jacksonville on Nov. 27."
Johnson again unable to practice, runs instead
November 11
Houston Chronicle
 
"Receiver Andre Johnson was unable to practice again Thursday, but he worked out with trainer Geoff Kaplan. For the second day in a row, Johnson did a lot of running. He'll run again Friday, then talk it over with coach Gary Kubiak before they decide about his playing against the Buccaneers on Sunday at Tampa Bay. "I'm almost full speed," Johnson said. "Everything's been going pretty positive. I'm excited about it. I feel pretty good. I'm going to run again (Friday), and we'll see what happens from there. I'll see how it feels to make sure I'm comfortable. "A decision hasn't been made. Me and coach Kubiak will talk about it and go from there. I think everybody was impressed with the way I"
Andre Johnson misses another practice, unlikely to play on Sunday
November 10
Houston Chronicle
 
"While his teammates practiced on one field preparing for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, receiver Andre Johnson worked with team trainer Geoff Kaplan. Coach Gary Kubiak didn't rule out Johnson for the game against the Buccaneers, but he's missed another practice with the team and is more than likely to sit out a sixth consecutive game. The Texans have their open date after the Tampa Bay game before they return Nov. 27 at Jacksonville."
Andre Johnson sits again at practice
November 4
Houston Chronicle
 
"For the second consecutive day, Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson did not practice. Coach Gary Kubiak said Johnson, who missed the last four games because of a hamstring injury, continues to be day-to-day and will be a game-time decision Sunday against Cleveland at Reliant Stadium. Kubiak said Johnson would work Friday. "I'm not scared to play Andre if he doesn't practice a whole lot," Kubiak said. "He knows what's going on from that standpoint. This is strictly about his health and how he's feeling. "Like I said, we got to a point Monday where we pushed really, really hard. Some soreness came about, so we took him off (Wednesday), the thought was to have him back out here (Thursday),"
Texans' Johnson gets day off to rest; status for Sunday "day-to-day"
November 2
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans returned to practice today to prepare for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns at Reliant Stadium. Coach Gary Kubiak said receiver Andre Johnson was given the day off to rest. Kubiak said they pushed Johnson during Monday's workout, and the receiver was sore."
Still 'not at full speed,' Texans' Johnson to sit Sunday
October 29
Houston Chronicle
 
"After practice Friday, the Texans made official what many predicted all week: Receiver Andre Johnson will miss a fourth consecutive game. Johnson said his hamstring didn't feel right after practice Wednesday and Thursday. He wasn't upbeat about the possibility of playing Sunday when the Texans face Jacksonville at Reliant Stadium. Johnson, 30, didn't practice Friday. He stood to the side and watched his teammates, wearing a towel on his head. "I just don't feel like I'm ready to play," Johnson said. "It gets frustrating because every week a game goes by that you wish you can be out there, but it's just part of the process. I just keep working hard, and, hopefully, next week I can be out on"
Johnson won't play Sunday for Texans; Casey will
October 28
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson will not play against Jacksonville on Sunday. Johnson, who has been recovering from surgery on his hamstring, was held out of practice today. He participated in every drill on Wednesday and Thursday and said after each practice that he didn't feel the way he hoped to feel. "It's frustrating because I want to be on the field, it's still a day-to-day thing," Johnson said. "I still don't feel right, and I don't want to do anything to make it worse. I'm just going to keep working the way I have. I've made progress.""
Andre Johnson not pleased by slow progress
October 28
Houston Chronicle
 
"Another day, and not a lot of good news on Andre Johnson Yes, the All-Pro wide receiver worked again Thursday, and sure, he was better than Wednesday. But Johnson still doesn't seem too optimistic about his chances of playing Sunday against Jacksonville after missing the previous three games because of a right hamstring injury. "You're encouraged, but when you're not where you want to be, that's a little bit discouraging.," Johnson said. "I'm encouraged. I improved from where I was at yesterday, so that's a good thing.""
Johnson unsure if he'll play for Texans on Sunday
October 27
Houston Chronicle
 
"His head coach and position coach both thought Andre Johnson looked fine during practice Wednesday. Apparently, the Texans' All-Pro wide receiver didn't feel as good as he looked. Johnson was skeptical when asked whether he'd return Sunday against Jacksonville from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for the last three games. "I just went out and did a little bit in practice today to see how I feel," Johnson said. "I wouldn't say I felt great. I didn't feel how I expected I would feel, but I was able to go out and make a few plays. We just keep taking it one day at a time.""
Johnson, Casey hope to play Sunday against Jaguars
October 25
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans are hoping to get back receiver Andre Johnson (hamstring) and fullback James Casey (chest) for Sunday's game against Jacksonville. "I think there's definitely a possibility with both of them," coach Gary Kubiak said. "James should be back at practice on Wednesday if there's no setbacks. The plan is for Andre to practice this week." Johnson and Casey have to practice before they can be cleared to play."
Texans' Kubiak won't rule Johnson out against Titans
October 20
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans coach Gary Kubiak refuses to rule Andre Johnson out for Sunday's game at Tennessee, even though the wide receiver hasn't practiced since undergoing a minor procedure on Oct. 6 to repair his injured right hamstring. On Tuesday, Johnson mentioned to a local radio station that he was told his absence might total six weeks - although he was skeptical of being out that long. On Wednesday, Kubiak said the recovery is "right on schedule." "He's running," Kubiak said. "He ran some routes and caught the ball. There is still progress to make before Andre is going to be on the field. It may be that he gets on the field and practices a little bit before the week's out. I don't know right now."
Andre Johnson's absence is hurting Texans' offense
October 18
Houston Chronicle
 
"Without Andre Johnson to double-team, Texans opponents are committing an extra defender to stop the run. The Texans are 0-2 without Johnson this season. They were 2-1 without him last season. "We're getting played different," coach Gary Kubiak said. "There's a level of consistency when Andre's on the field with what people try to do. "I don't think it has affected where Matt (Schaub) goes with the ball. (Sunday) we went toe-to-toe with a dang good team, and we needed a new hero. Until Andre gets back, someone has got to assume that responsibility.""
Texans WR Johnson hopes to return in two weeks
October 8
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans receiver Andre Johnson feels good enough to return in two weeks. But that might not be possible because several things have to happen before he's cleared to play for the first time since suffering a torn hamstring in Sunday's 17-10 victory over Pittsburgh. "I have to wait a few days to get the stitches out, and once I do, I can go all out and see where I am," Johnson, 30, said after Friday's practice. "If I had to pick a date, I'd give it a couple of weeks. That's just my gut feeling. I think I'm a fast healer." Johnson (6-3, 226 pounds) will miss Sunday's game against Oakland and the next one at Baltimore. He might have to sit out the Oct. 23 game at Tennessee and return"
Texans star Johnson doing 'great' after medical procedure
October 6
Houston Chronicle
 
"Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said after practice Wednesday that wide receiver Andre Johnson is doing "great" but did not put a timetable on his return. Johnson underwent a procedure Tuesday in Dallas to speed the healing process of a slight tear in his right hamstring. Johnson is expected to miss three games, but Kubiak declined to put a number on it."
Texans receivers expect to step up with Johnson out
October 6
Houston Chronicle
 
"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"
Texans can beat Raiders without Andre Johnson
October 5
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans probably will play three games without receiver Andre Johnson while he recovers from his hamstring injury. On paper at least, Oakland would seem the ideal team to play while Johnson serves as a cheerleader. The Texans are 3-1 against the Raiders when Johnson plays and 2-0 when he doesn't, including a 31-24 victory at Oakland last season. The formula the Texans used to defeat the Raiders last season should disclose what kind of game plan they'll have without their best player Sunday at Reliant Stadium."
Johnson could miss three games for Texans
October 5
Houston Chronicle
 
"If all goes according to plan, receiver Andre Johnson will return to the starting lineup no later than the Texans' Oct. 30 game against Jacksonville at Reliant Stadium. That means he would miss games against Oakland, Baltimore and Tennessee. Depending on how fast he recovers after undergoing a surgical procedure to prevent scar tissue from forming around a slight tear in his right hamstring, there's an outside chance Johnson might be ready for the Oct. 23 game against the Titans. More than likely, though, Johnson will miss three games because the Texans have taken extra precautions with players suffering from hamstring and groin injuries since training camp began."
Texans still evaluating severity of Andre Johnson's injury
October 4
Houston Chronicle
 
"In his magnificent nine-year career, Texans receiver Andre Johnson has missed more than three games one time. In 2007, Gary Kubiak's second season as coach, Johnson suffered ligament damage in his knee and missed seven games. The Texans went 2-5 without him. On Monday, Kubiak disclosed that the Texans don't know the extent of Johnson's hamstring injury, despite multiple MRIs. Now Johnson is headed for a second opinion and perhaps a third before they'll have a proper prognosis for his return. "It's hard for me to give you an answer right now," Kubiak said at his regular Monday news conference. "He's going to miss some time. I don't know if that's three or four days. I don't know if that's a"
Texans score bounceback win but lose star WR Andre Johnson
October 3
Houston Chronicle
 
"The win could have come more easily, and often seemed certain that it would. That, however, would not have offered the Texans defense the chance of redemption it found in the fourth quarter on Sunday. More than a chance to answer for last week's loss in New Orleans, when the Texans were whipped in the fourth quarter, the Texans defense had to take over with the game on the line. With the game on the line, the Texans harassed and pounded Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, allowing just one fourth-quarter first down and sacking him three times as the Texans held on for a 17-10 win Sunday before 71,585, the largest home crowd in Texans history. "The 3-1 (record) is great, but when you"
Texans' Johnson limps off field with injury
October 2
Houston Chronicle
 
"Receiver Andre Johnson just left the field and headed for the dressing room with an apparent knee injury. Johnson caught a pass and was on his way to a 10-yard gain and a first down when his knee seemed to buckle. He went down without being touched."
Texans' Johnson makes splash in homecoming
September 19
Houston Chronicle
 
"Andre Johnson's homecoming must be considered a success. The Miami native caught a game-high seven balls for 93 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter that brought the emotion out of Johnson - he flashed the "U" hand signal made famous by himself and his fellow University of Miami alumni. "I grew up in this area, and my childhood dream was to play in this stadium," Johnson said. "This is my third time being able to play here, and I ended up with 170 tickets. It's a lot of fun to be back home and play in front of my family and friends.""
Texans' Johnson helps new teammate acclimate to life in NFL
September 18
Houston Chronicle
 
"When Andre Johnson was a freshman at Miami Senior High, one of his assistant coaches was Tim "Ice" Harris. In Johnson, Harris saw a burgeoning talent, a certain high-level Division I prospect, and the self-appointed task for Harris was to minimize the looming gap from high school to college as much as possible. The two grew close - Harris was impressed by Johnson's work ethic while Johnson was drawn to Harris' instruction and guidance. Along the way, Johnson became a role model for Harris' son Brandon, who, as a 5- or 6-year-old, often would tag along to practices and workouts, running around on the sidelines. Now, 15 or 16 years later, Johnson shakes his head as he glances down at the"
Johnson returns to practice and impresses
August 8
Houston Chronicle
 
"Andre Johnson, ever the warrior, returned to practice Sunday and made a number of difficult catches, no matter that he's still dealing with a compound dislocation of his left index finger. Most impressive was a ball he pulled in despite solid coverage by new free safety Danieal Manning. The Texans have signed inside LB Tim Dobbins, who played for Miami last season and was waived by the Dolphins last week. He was with San Diego from 2006 through 2009 and played for Wade Phillips as a Chargers rookie. Troy Nolan, Manning's backup, made the defensive play of the day, picking off a Matt Schaub pass in a crowd at the goal line. CB Jonathan Joseph, the Texans' top free-agent acquisition, had a"
Johnson not limited to leading by example
August 3
Houston Chronicle
 
"In jest, he referred to himself as "the old vet," but the tag does fit. This is Andre Johnson's ninth training camp, all with the Texans. Among teammates, only Neil Rackers (11 seasons), Damione Lewis (10) and Brad Maynard (14) have been in the NFL longer, while fellow wide receiver Kevin Walter and guard Wade Smith have stuck just as long. One of Johnson's discoveries is that the nicks not only last longer now but they also occur more frequently than before. On Tuesday, he dislocated his left index finger during a one-on-one drill with rookie Roc Carmichael, but the injury isn't major. It won't linger into the regular season, during which Johnson — at 30 and after a nearly decade-long"
Andre Johnson dislocates finger in practice
August 2
Houston Chronicle
 
"Andre Johnson suffered a dislocated finger after bumping into cornerback Roc Carmichael. Gary Kubiak said he hopes Johnson will be back on field this afternoon Johnson was running a slant route in an individual drill Tuesday and leaped to catch a pass, with Carmichael defending. Johnson couldn't make the catch and came down shaking his left hand. He took off his glove and walked to the sideline, where a trainer examined him."
Andre to Texans: Don't let Vonta go
May 24
Houston Chronicle
 
"Like his teammates, receiver Andre Johnson has been working out during the NFL lockout, but he also has used his time off to recruit for the Texans. Johnson, who hosted his annual football camp for 400 kids over the weekend, says it is vital that fullback Vonta Leach return to the team. "I can't imagine our offense without him," Johnson said. "I don't know who we'll replace him with. He's the best at what he does." Johnson, who has recovered from postseason surgery on his ankle, also has encouraged cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha to sign with the Texans when the lockout ends and he becomes an unrestricted free agent. "I've talked to him, and every time I hit him with it, it seems like it's on"
Johnson, Foster among Sporting News All-Pros
January 13
Houston Chronicle
 
"Only one team placed two offensive players on The Sporting News' All-Pro team. Texans receiver Andre Johnson and running back Arian Foster were voted to the team by players, coaches and club executives. Foster led the NFL in rushing (1,616 yards), yards from scrimmage (2,220), total touchdowns (18) and rushing touchdowns (16). Despite missing three games with a high ankle sprain that required arthroscopic surgery after the season, Johnson caught 86 passes for 1,216 yards and eight touchdowns."
Surgery next week for Johnson
January 1
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans receiver Andre Johnson disclosed Friday that he will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle next week. Johnson will miss Sunday's game against Jacksonville – the third game he missed this season because of the high ankle sprain he suffered in the second game at Washington. "Because I kept playing on it, some things like loose particles developed in there, and now I'm going to get them cleaned out," Johnson said. Johnson isn't the only star player who'll miss Sunday's game. Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew will sit out his second consecutive game because of a knee injury."
Jones to start for Johnson again
December 31
Houston Chronicle
 
"Kicker Neil Rackers (hamstring), cornerback Sherrick McManis (hamstring) and receiver Andre Johnson (ankle) didn't practice Thursday. Rackers, who has been sitting out practice, will kick against Jacksonville. He kicked field goals of 34, 54 and 57 yards at Denver. Kevin Bentley will start at middle linebacker for Darryl Sharpton (shoulder), who was placed on injured reserve. Bentley had been starting until Sharpton was moved inside last week."
Texans send offensive trio to Pro Bowl
December 29
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans fullback Vonta Leach is going to the beach, and he's going to be escorted by receiver Andre Johnson and running back Arian Foster. Leach and Johnson were voted as starters in the Pro Bowl on Tuesday. Foster made the team as a reserve behind Jacksonville's Maurice Jones Drew. It is the first Pro Bowl for Leach and Foster, both of whom were signed as free agents — Leach as an unrestricted veteran and Foster as an undrafted rookie. It is Johnson's fifth Pro Bowl. He probably won't be able to play because of the ankle injury that's plagued him since the second game of the season and will cause him to miss the last two games of the season. Leach and his teammates campaigned for him to"
WR Jones fills in well for Johnson
December 27
Houston Chronicle
 
"Jones steps into Johnson's shoes Receiver Andre Johnson was unable to play because of his high ankle sprain. Jacoby Jones did a reasonable impersonation of Johnson by catching five passes for 115 yards, including a 47-yard reception. "Those were some big, big shoes to fill," Jones said. "My expectations were to step up and play well, but when you lose, it makes me feel like I didn't play well." Johnson did play well. He made his first catch on the first touchdown drive in the first quarter, an 11-yarder. On the second touchdown drive that gave the Texans a 14-0 lead, he had receptions of 47 and 34 yards. "The first time I catch a pass, it gives me the confidence that I'm going to do well,""
Ankle sprain puts Johnson's status in doubt
December 25
Houston Chronicle
 
"Although he is doing everything he can to play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, there is a good chance Texans receiver Andre Johnson will miss his second game of the season because of an ankle injury. Johnson disclosed after practice Friday that an MRI this week showed new damage to the high ankle sprain he suffered in the second game of the season. Johnson, who needs to average 142 yards in the last two games against Denver and Jacksonville to become the first receiver to have at least 1,500 yards in three consecutive seasons, will be a game-time decision. "I'm trying to do everything I can to make sure I'm out there, pretty much like I have been for weeks," he said. "I've been"
Texans' Johnson not likely to play
December 25
San Antonio Express-News
 
"Although he is doing everything he can to play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, there is a good chance receiver Andre Johnson will miss his second game of the season because of an ankle injury. Johnson disclosed after practice on Friday that an MRI this week showed new damage to the high ankle sprain he suffered in the second game of the season. Johnson, who needs 284 total yards in the last two games against Denver and Jacksonville to become the first receiver in history to have at least 1,500 in three consecutive seasons, will be a game-time decision. "I'm trying to do everything I can to make sure I'm out there, pretty much like I have been for weeks," he said. "I've been banging"
Cheer leaders
December 24
Houston Chronicle
 
"Shopping carts took off in every direction, speeding through aisles and cutting corners like a NASCAR race. "Come on, baby! Let's roll!" one mother told her daughter as they navigated the maze of toys during a shopping spree hosted by Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson. A few days later at a similar event, this time hosted by Rockets center Brad Miller, Tracie Federwisch knew exactly what she wanted: a bicycle and electric guitar. "Never had nothing like this before," her grandfather, Cecil Federwisch, said as they waited in line to check out. "This is something they can remember later on in life." In the spirit of the holidays, the city's five professional sports teams — Rockets,"
Cortland Finnegan won't dwell on rematch
December 16
Tennessean
 
"Cortland Finnegan's teammates joked about his rematch with Texans receiver Andre Johnson, calling Sunday's game Round 2 and a can't-miss showdown. Finnegan even had a little fun with it Wednesday, borrowing a line from Terrell Owens. "Get your popcorn ready,'' the Titans cornerback said with a smile. Then he did his best to quash the hype. It's less than three weeks since Finnegan and Johnson fought in the fourth quarter of Houston's 20-0 win at Reliant Stadium. Both players were ejected, and the NFL fined them $25,000 each. Finnegan plans to be a peacemaker before the rematch at LP Field. He's already apologized to Johnson through a third party, he said, and plans to seek him out prior to"
Finnegan avoids talking tough before facing Johnson again
December 16
Nashville City Paper
 
"Cortland Finnegan does not want to get kicked out of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. That's why the Tennessee Titans' cornerback was careful not to put his foot in his mouth Wednesday. When asked about his pending matchup with Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson (noon, Sunday, LP Field), he simply smiled and tried to say as little as possible. "I want to be out there playing for this team," Finnegan said. "I know they want me out there. We just want to win the next football game." Finnegan and Johnson both were ejected with 7:53 to go in the Texans' 20-0 victory on Nov. 28 at Houston. An exchange of insults — or something along those lines — escalated with each ripping off the"