Brian Cushing Will Be Game-Time Decision In Week 9

**Houston Texans‘ linebacker Brian Cushing will be a game-time decision for his team’s week 9 game against the Philadelphia Eagles on an intriguing Sunday of NFL *action.***

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The Houston Texans’ defense faces a daunting challenge against the Philadelphia Eagles in week 9. Even though Chip Kelly’s offense has been up and down at times this season, that group still presents a significant challenge for any defense.

Things have been made even more challenging for Romeo Crennell’s defense because they will not be full strength. Jadeveon Clowney is likely to miss the game with an illness, and it sounds like the status of linebacker Brian Cushing is still very much in doubt.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports the following about Cushing’s status for week 9:

"Officially questionable for Sunday’s game against the Eagles, a source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that it’s a legitimate game-time decision.Cushing’s knee was bothering him badly against the Steelers during a Week Seven Monday night game. With the bye week coming up, he can give it a try on Sunday, knowing that he’ll have two weeks until his next game."

This situation with Cushing perfectly illustrates the weekly challenge for NFL teams. On the one hand, this is a week-to-week league, and with just 16 games on the schedule, each win is precious. On the other hand, you cannot afford to put the long-term availability of a key player at risk for just one game.

The Texans will balance those two aspects of this decision with Cushing, who is undeniably a key member of this defense.

Houston Texans‘ linebacker Brian Cushing will be a game-time decision for his team’s week 9 game against the Philadelphia Eagles on an intriguing Sunday of NFL action.

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**Houston Texans‘ linebacker Brian Cushing will be a game-time decision for his team’s week 9 game against the Philadelphia Eagles on an intriguing Sunday of NFL *action.***