Texans LB Akeem Dent ready to step as starter in Week 1

Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Akeem Dent (50) during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

With Houston Texans starting inside linebacker Mike Mohamed out for Sunday's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs with a right calf injury, the team will turn to veteran Akeem Dent to fill in.

Dent, who started seven games for the Texans last season, said he's prepared for the opportunity.

"I have a lot of confidence going into this game," Dent said, per the Houston Chronicle. "Playing the game of football, you have to have a lot of confidence in yourself."

A third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2011, Dent made 38 tackles and had one sack for Houston last year. He started training camp on the physically unable to perform list, but was activated Aug. 17.

"He's done a good job," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "He's a guy who played lot of football for us last year. He's really a good good person, good teammate. He's worked very hard to get back from injury.

"I thought (Wednesday's) full-padded practice was one of his better practices. He means a lot to us on defense and on special teams. He's a good guy in the locker room. We're glad he's on our team."

One of Dent's responsibilities on Sunday will be to help slow Kansas City Pro Bowl running back Jamaal Charles.

"I would say he presents a lot of threats in their offense, which has a lot of explosive guys," Dent said. "He'll be one of the main things we have to do to stop the running game."

(h/t Houston Chronicle)