HOUSTON (AP) - Cincinnati strong safety Chris Crocker is inactive for the Bengals AFC wild-card playoff game against Houston.

Crocker missed practice all week with a thigh injury. Nate Clements is scheduled to start in his place.

Houston's Barrett Ruud will start at inside linebacker for Tim Dobbins, who was placed on injured reserve Friday with an ankle injury. Cornerback Alan Ball is active for Houston after missing the last five games with a sore foot.

Other inactive players for the Bengals are cornerback Jason Allen, defensive tackles Brandon Thompson and Devon Still, tight end Richard Quinn, running back Daniel Herron and receiver Dane Sanzenbacher.

Houston's inactive players are cornerbacks Roc Carmichael and Stanford Routt, fullback Tyler Clutts, guards Cody White and Antoine Caldwell, tackle Andrew Gardner and nose tackle Terrell McClain.