The Texans have yet to apply the franchise tag to star RB Arian Foster. Multiple reports say the team is expected to, though. Foster will be a restricted free agent, so Houston could choose to tender him at the highest level and allow other suitors to make a run. The problem there would be allowing another franchise to set the contract terms at a generally fungible position. The franchise tag would still allow Foster to talk with other teams, but signing him would come at a prohibitive price. The Texans have been expected to skip tagging DE Mario Williams. Franchising him would mean a 2012 salary in excess of $20 million.

Texans OLB Mario Williams is done for the season after tearing a pectoral muscle in Sunday's loss to Oakland, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. That leaves Williams' starting spot to 2nd-round rookie Brooks Reed. The former Arizona Wildcat had a 2-sack game in the preseason and registered 2 QB hits and 4 tackles (3 solo) Sunday after replacing Williams. Reed had tallied just 43 snaps before Week 5, so we'll see what kind of impact he can make with more time. His immediate fantasy outlook isn't exciting. Houston's next 5 opponents all ranked 17th or better in Football Outsiders' adjusted sack rate through Week 4. Fellow rookie Brian Braman -- a preseason revelation -- figures to see a bit more work as well. Williams' loss certainly hurts the D overall, but it doesn't kill the Texans' value. DE Antonio Smith has led been the top-performing pass rusher so far, according to Pro Football Focus. Reed, Braman and Connor Barwin give the team talent on the outside, and LB Brian Cushing is a strong pass rusher as well. He could see more blitz opportunities going forward.

Texans LB Mario Williams has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Raiders with a pectoral injury.  The quick hook doesn't bode well for his Week 6 availability.  We'll pass along an update when we get one.

Texans coaches promised that Mario Williams' move from DE to 3-4 OLB really wouldn't change his role much. Through 3 exhibition games, though, the former # 1 pick has nary a QB hit -- much less a sack. Williams hasn't even registered a tackle in 2 of 3 games. Meanwhile, 6 other Texans have more than 1 sack so far. Williams might settle in and certainly doesn't figure to go sack-less through the regular season. He's not worth a pick in IDP drafts, though.

As the Texans convert to new DC Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense, they'll need to figure out how their current players fit in.  Perhaps the most important decision is where to use All-Pro Mario Williams.  It was originally believed that Williams would play DE, but beat writer John McClain reports that Houston wants Williams at OLB.  At 6'7 and 290, he'll be an absolute monster on the outside.  The question is whether he's quick enough to play the position.  We're not sure we like the fit.  It'll be something to monitor this summer.

The Texans have placed DE Mario Williams (sports hernia) on IR.  Despite playing at less than 100% for most of the season, Williams finishes with 8.5 sacks in 13 games.  He's expected to be ready for 2011 OTAs.

Texans All-Pro DE Mario Williams (groin) will be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.  He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning to limited work on Friday.  His absence would be a huge boost to QB Kurt Warner's stock.

Texans DE Mario Williams (groin) will play against the Cardinals today.  He won't be at 100%, but he shouldn't have any problem getting in QB Kurt Warner's face.

The Houston Texans promoted Senior Def. Asst. Frank Bush to Defensive Coordinator. Bush said the defense will have a more "attacking and aggressive" style in 2009. Every year the new DCs say their defense will be "more aggressive" or do "more blitzing." The new OCs all say "they'll open it up" or "take some shots downfield."

Lost in the 38-17 blowout loss at Pittsburgh was the fact that Texans DE Mario Williams had 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Williams has 11 sacks in his last 8 games going back to last year. Monster.

Texans DE Mario Williams won thed NFL Defensive Lineman of the Year award given by the NFL Alumni Association. He tied for 3rd in the NFL with 14 sacks, plus 59 tckles, 2 forced fumbles, and a 38-yard fumble return for a TD. We all owe ex-Texans GM Charlie Casserly an apology. In 2006 he had the #1 overall pick and passed on Vince Young, Reggie Bush and D'Brickashaw Ferguson to take the 20-year old Williams. Casserly was blasted by everybody as he left to take a job at CBS.

USA Today reports Texans DE Mario Williams "is still dealing with plantar fasciitis" in his foot and will be monitored closely in practice. Don't look now but the much-maligned #1 NFL Draft pick has 4.5 sacks & a fumble recovery in his last 5 games. Mario also won us over when he mocked Michael Strahan's jump-shot (Ballin') celebration after a sack on Eli Manning. Several Giants players mouthed off at the rookie and he shot back with: "I didn't know that a jump shot was a patented move for a football player... My bad." You tell 'em, kid.