Texans punter Lechler out of hospital; could play Sunday against Raiders

The Houston Texans can use all the good news they can get this season, even if it is only about their punter.

The Modesto Bee is reporting, via the Sports Network, that Texans punter Shane Lechler has been released for the hospital, and could play against the Oakland Raiders this Sunday. Lechler has been fighting the flu all week.

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said Lechler would be a game-time decision, but that he expects the punter to be ready to play against his former team:

"I don’t even know if we’ll ask him to come in tomorrow, but he’ll be there. Heck, he knows what he’s doing. He’s talked to (special teams coordinator) Joe (Marciano). I don’t have any doubt that he’ll be ready to play."

The 37-year-old spent his first 13 NFL seasons with the Oakland Raider, where he was a nine time All-Pro. This would be the chance he’s had to punt against his former team.

Lechler is currently the NFL’s all-time leader in career punting average.

Cornerback Elbert Mack and tight end Ryan Griffin will miss the game for Houston. Cornerback Kareem Jackson, and linebackers Joe Mays and Mike Mohamed are questionable to play Sunday.