Titans-Texans live blog tonight

Following is the injury report, which is followed by some of my thoughts after the jump.

LB Colin Allred (Hamstring) Out
WR Justin Gage (Back) Out
DB Kevin Kaesviharn (Not injury related) Questionable
DT Jason Jones (Shoulder) Questionable
LB David Thornton (Hip) Questionable

Houston Texans:
CB Antwaun Molden (Quadricep) Out
S Dominique Barber (Ankle) Doubtful
WR Jacoby Jones (Calf) Questionable
TE James Casey (Knee) Probable
LB Brian Cushing (Foot) Probable

Random thoughts: It’s good to see Nick Harper isn’t on the injury report anymore. That being said, I’d prefer for Rod Hood to remain as the starter. From what I’ve seen of him the two times I watched him (Jags and Bills), he’s a better cover corner than Harper although not as good in run support.

I’ll definitely be watching the Andre Johnson – Cortland Finnegan matchup this evening. In their last meeting, Johnson reportedly grabbed Finnegan by the facemask and dragged him into the Texans’ bench, prompting a melee. Regrettably, I missed Johnson’s actions, but did witness the melee.

Mario Williams had some success bull-rushing Michael Roos in their last meeting. I’ve always enjoyed watching Roos and David Stewart match up against Super Mario, who lines up at both ends. I’ll be watching those matchups again tonight and will be interested to see how Roos fares this time. He’s usually very good at making adjustments and taking away what the opponent does best.

I’ve also enjoyed watching DeMeco Ryans for a couple of years now but after seeing Patrick Willis two weeks ago, watching Ryans will never be quite the same.

Steve Slaton will probably start again this week. I hope he does and that he continues to be afflicted by fumbleitis.

I’ve only seen the Texans once on TV, part of the Texans-Colts game, since the Titans-Texans game. I don’t know exactly how they’ve done it, but they’re much improved on defense since then.

It looks like the Titans are improved defensively too, but you never can tell what kind of game it will be. In their last five meetings, the score has been as high as 38-36 and as low as 13-12. The Texans have won the last two but Tennessee won seven in a row before that.

I’ve heard the Texans consider this to be the biggest game in their franchise’s history. Must be the first time they’ve been on in prime time.

I imagine Tom will start the live blog at or shortly before 7:30 Central. In the meantime, please feel free to use this thread to comment on tonight’s game.