Texans placed ILB Darryl Sharpton (hip) on injured reserve, ending his season. Sharpton missed the first nine games of the year while on PUP due to a hip issue. The run-stuffing inside 'backer never truly got over the hump and finished with just 28 tackles in seven games. Look for Tim Dobbins to start next to Bradie James in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Bengals. Brian Cushing has been on IR since tearing his ACL in Week 5.

Texans ILB Darryl Sharpton will start Thursday's game against the Lions. Activated off the PUP list on Saturday, Sharpton will start in place of Tim Dobbins, who is a game-time decision with a shoulder injury. Sharpton played 33-of-68 snaps in Sunday's win over the Jaguars, notching seven tackles. The 2010 fourth-round pick was limited to just eight games and 55 snaps in 2011 by a torn quad. He could rotate with Dobbins for the rest of the season.

Texans activated LB Darryl Sharpton off the PUP list. Sharpton gives quality depth at linebacker where the Texans have been thin since losing Brian Cushing for the season. He's expected to see some snaps at inside linebacker, rotating with starters Bradie James and Tim Dobbins, and should also contribute on special teams. Houston waived FS Troy Nolan to open up a roster spot for Sharpton.

Texans ILB Darryl Sharpton (hip) expects come off the PUP list next week. Sharpton developed the hip injury by attempting to come back too early from quadriceps surgery. He's begun hitting bags at practice this week, and the team has said he's "very, very close" to practicing. The Texans could use his speed with Brian Cushing out for the season.

Texans ILB Darryl Sharpton (hip) is "not ready" to come off the PUP list. Sharpton is first eligible to return in Week 7, but the Texans are hoping he'll be ready "in a couple weeks." Sharpton's return has taken on an added importance with Brian Cushing (torn ACL) out for the season. Sharpton could rotate snaps with veteran Tim Dobbins whenever he's finally ready to make his 2012 debut.

Texans ILB Darryl Sharpton (hip) will be out a few weeks. The oft-injured Sharpton recently sustained a setback, probably related to the torn quad that ended his 2011 season early. The Texans are looking thin at inside linebacker behind starters Brian Cushing and Bradie James.

Texans ILB Darryl Sharpton recently suffered a setback in his recovery from a torn right quadriceps. Sharpton suffered the injury all the way back in October, so this is becoming a long-term issue. Coach Gary Kubiak stated that Sharpton's injury is now affecting his hip. It looks like the 24-year-old may open the season on PUP.

Texans ILB Darryl Sharpton is still rehabbing his torn right quadriceps injury. "I've kind of transitioned from the training room to the weight room," said Sharpton. "I'm definitely gotten over that hump, I'm feeling good and I'm pretty much there." Likely to be eased into training camp, Sharpton won't have a fair shot to beat out Bradie James for the starting job next to Brian Cushing.

Texans ILB Darryl Sharpton (quadriceps) looks "real close," according to coach Gary Kubiak. Sharpton has been running on the side as the Texans conduct their OTAs. The third-year run-stuffer should have no problem getting to 100 percent ahead of training camp.

Texans ILB Darryl Sharpton (quadriceps) has not yet been cleared for practice. Sharpton is still rehabbing a torn quadriceps muscle that ended his season in late October. Coach Gary Kubiak does expect him to be ready for training camp, where he will have to hold off Bradie James for the starting job next to Brian Cushing.