Jamar

Fletcher

Expect Fletcher to be plenty upset this week. He complained last week when he didn’t play, and he wasn’t even in uniform Sunday.

''Me not playing on Sunday, that’s crazy to me,’' Fletcher said. ''That doesn’t make sense.’' Teams that have inquired about trading for Fletcher have reportedly been turned down.

After 2006, “Petey” was expected to face a challenge for the job, but Houston only drafted fourth-rounder Fred Bennett and signed journeyman Jamar Fletcher to add depth. The Texans’ pass defense remains suspect on paper.

Bennett, the second of Houston’s picks to sign, has a shot to play on nickel downs as an outside corner if he beats out Jamar Fletcher. Right CB DeMarcus “Petey” Faggins could then move inside to cover the slot receiver.

Faggins is better suited as a nickel back, so this makes sense with Jamar Fletcher (appendectomy) still out. Hutchins started the first nine games of the season at free safety, but will now be asked to hold down the right corner.

Bennett replaced DeMarcus Faggins in the first quarter of Week 8’s game and finished with two tackles. Faggins will likely be moved to nickel back, where it is thought he will excel. Meanwhile, reserve Jamar Fletcher had his appendix removed and will miss three weeks.

Fletcher, a first round pick in 2001, never grabbed a starting job in Miami.

Fletcher appears to be around for insurance. Cornerback David Jones injured his foot in practice and is currently sporting a walking boot. Early guesses are Jones could be out two-to-eight weeks.

Fletcher was a former first-round pick of the Dolphins back in 2001. He started two games for the Bengals last season. The Bengals also waived DT Pernell Phillips and WR Greg Orton as the first cut day approaches.

Opponents are going to go at him early and often. Fred Bennett, who posted the best YPA in the league last year, is taking Dunta Robinson’s spot at right corner. Rookie Antwaun Molden and Jamar Fletcher are vying for nickel duty.