Houston Texans Defeat Jacksonville Jaguars 20-13

The Houston Texans were able to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday 20-13 despite losing starting quarterback Matt Leinart in the second quarter to a shoulder injury.

Just before the half Leinart was sacked and taken to the ground hard, forcing him to head into the locker room early. He had been productive before exiting the contest, completing 10 of 13 passes for 57 yards, which included a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight-end Joel Dreessen.

Rookie 5^th round pick T.J. Yates stepped in for the injured Leinart.

Andre Johnson got himself back in the fold after missing the last six games with a hamstring injury, by snagging a 14-yard pass from Yates with 2:06 left in the third quarter.

Johnson’s second catch of the afternoon made him the second fastest wide receiver in NFL history to reach 700 career receptions. He did it in 120 games, trailing only Marvin Harrison.

The Texans defense continued to play stout, recording a total of seven sacks against the Jags.  Six of which came against Jacksonville starting QB Blaine Gabbert before he was pulled in favor of Luke McCown with 7:03 left in the game.

Connor Barwin accounted for four of the team’s sacks.

With the win the Texans improved to 8-3 on the season, but the real question after this game is how bad is Leinart’s injury? If it’s the season ending type, as is being speculated, that would leave Houston with just two quarterbacks on the roster in rookie Yates and Kellen Clemens who was just signed earlier in the week to take the roster spot of the injured Matt Schaub.

For the games box score click here.