Preseason Super Bowl hopeful Houston's season slipping away after fourth straight loss

Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) tries to avoid a tackle by St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Houston. St. Louis defeated Houston 38-13. (AP Photo/ The Courier, Jason Fochtman) (The Associated Press)

Houston Texans fans cover their heads during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Houston, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (The Associated Press)

The Texans had Super Bowl aspirations entering the season.

Now, the year has quickly soured. They have lost four in a row and the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs await.

Houston's biggest problem has been turnovers. The Texans have lost 12 more than their opponents, second most in the NFL.

And the status of quarterback Matt Schaub — battered by criticism — is unclear because of an injury. Coach Gary Kubiak says Schaub is "beat up on the leg, ankle — everywhere," and that he'll know more about him late this week.

He says he'll prepare both T.J. Yates and Case Keenum this week in case Schaub can't play.

Also injured in Sunday's loss to St. Louis was safety Danieal Manning, who Kubiak says has a "significant knee injury."

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org