HOUSTON (AP) - Injuries have left the Houston Texans linebacking corps very thin.

With star Brian Cushing (knee) out for the season and starter Brooks Reed out indefinitely with a groin injury, young players Whitney Mercilus and Darryl Sharpton will have to step up to keep the defense rolling as the Texans (10-1) play for postseason positioning.

Coach Gary Kubiak says of the group: ``How far we go, how well we play, how we hang on here and keep working has a lot to do with how they play.''

Adding to the trouble, inside linebacker Bradie James, who has started every game for Houston this season, is day to day with a hamstring injury.

James, a 10-year veteran, says he's never been around a team with so many injuries to one position.

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