HOUSTON – Texans starting tight end Pharaoh Brown is set to play Sunday in a road game against the Chicago Bears after undergoing a magnetic resonance imaging exam for a shoulder injury, according to a league source.
Brown aggravated scar tissue in his shoulder from a previous injury when he fell awkwardly in a loss to the Denver Broncos.
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The Texans’ depth at the position was already reduced because third tight end Brevin Jordan hasn’t practiced this week due to an ankle injury and may be out for the Bears game with tight end Jordan Akins a candidate to replace him.
Brown has four catches for 41 yards through two games.
Jordan played against the Broncos after being listed as questionable on the injury report.
Quarterback Davis Mills participated fully with a right thumb injury that is not considered an issue, with linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (neck) and linebacker Blake Cashman (hip) also participating fully.
Defensive tackle Kurt Hinish (foot) didn’t practice along with cornerback Isaac Yiadom (thigh). Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (knee) was limited.
Akins is a former Texans third-round draft pick from Central Florida who has 114 career receptions, 1,260 yards, and three touchdowns. Akins signed with the New York Giants as a free agent but was released before rejoining the Texans.
Howard has two touchdowns on three catches, scoring twice in a tie against the Indianapolis Colts, with Jordan contributing three catches for eight yards.
“Brevin is a heck of a football player,” Texans coach Lovie Smith said. “We have a few good football players out, but now it’s about the next guys stepping up. We have a little bit of depth at that position. Akins can step in and do some things. O.J. Howard, when he’s gotten reps, of course, he can and we know what Pharaoh can do. We still feel like we’re OK, but we’re missing a good football player right now.”
Aaron Wilson is a Pro Football Network reporter and a contributor to KPRC 2 and click2houston.com