NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Houston Texans have deactivated cornerback Alan Ball due to a foot injury, in addition to the five other players already declared out against the Tennessee Titans.
Houston will start Barrett Ruud at middle linebacker in place of Bradie James, out with a hamstring injury. Ruud was with the Titans last season before losing his job to Colin McCarthy, but McCarthy is out against Houston due to a concussion. The Texans' other inactives include linebacker Brooks Reed (groin), cornerback Johnathan Joseph, guard Antoine Caldwell and tackle Derek Newton.
Ryan Harris will start at right tackle for Newton, and Brice McCain will start at cornerback for Joseph.
Tim Shaw starts for McCarthy, the second start of his career and first since Oct. 31, 2010.
___
Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.