Texans owner Bob McNair pointed to inside linebacker as one of the team's biggest need positions this offseason.

We're not sure why McNair has been commenting on personnel matters so often lately, but it's his team. In addition to receiver, McNair mentioned inside 'backer as a position on which the Texans might use the 27th overall draft pick. Brian Cushing will return from his ACL tear, but free agents Bradie James and Barrett Ruud will surely walk. Darryl Sharpton should get another chance.

Texans ILB Bradie James was forced from Houston's Thanksgiving game against the Lions with a hamstring injury, and will not return.

The Texans are down to Darryl Sharpton and Barrett Ruud as their only healthy inside linebackers. With OLB Brooks Reed out with a groin injury, the Texans are going to be working out free agent linebackers next week.

Texans LBs coach Reggie Herring suggested that Bradie James is viewed as the starter next to Brian Cushing at inside linebacker.

"I don't mind throwing it on the table," said Herring, "We're pretty pleased with picking Bradie up, because we feel like we gained back what we lost with DeMeco (Ryans) leaving, and then some to be honest with you." With four years in Wade Phillips' defense, James has a decisive edge over Darryl Sharpton for the starting job.