By KRISTIE RIEKEN
AP Sports Writer
HOUSTON(AP) -- Houston tight end Owen Daniels has a torn knee
ligament and will have season-ending surgery to repair the
injury.
Daniels, who injured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right
knee, was hurt on Houston's second possession in Sunday's win at
Buffalo when he caught his foot in the turf. Coach Gary Kubiak
said he'll have surgery in about two weeks after swelling in the
knee has gone down.
"It's a big blow to our football team," Kubiak said. "I just
feel bad for him. He was having a tremendous season, a special
football season, and we're going to miss him big-time."
The fourth-year player has 40 receptions for 519 yards and a
team-leading five touchdowns this season. He'll be replaced by
Joel Dreessen when the Texans play at Indianapolis on Sunday.
The Texans will also be without third-string tight end James
Casey on Sunday after he had arthroscopic surgery to repair a
problem with the meniscus in one of his knees on Monday. It is
unclear which knee is injured, but the Texans expect Casey to
return when Houston hosts Tennessee on Nov. 23.
That leaves the Texans with Dreessen and rookie Anthony Hill as
the only tight ends on the roster. Hill, who missed time earlier
this season with swine flu, has not played this season.
"We have been impressed with his work," Kubiak said of Hill.
"He's a physical player. Is he ready to go? I don't know. We'll
see, but it's time for him to go."
Dreessen is also Houston's long snapper and Kubiak said the team
could sign another snapper or tight end this week.
If they don't, Dreessen will see plenty of action for Houston.
"He does a little bit of everything," Kubiak said. "He went in
yesterday and played 52 plays of offense and punt snapped, field
goal snapped, covered kicks. I mean, the kid was on the field
almost 80 plays. He's just very flexible."
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