Steve

McKinney

Nearly six months since their last game, it’s highly disconcerting that the Texans still don’t know how they will protect David Carr. The entire left side of the line is in flux. We’re downgrading Carr slightly if they don’t sign Ross Verba.

Danny Clark is also expected to be a starter over Charlie Anderson and Shantee Orr at strong-side linebacker. C Steve McKinney should get the nod over incumbent Mike Flanagan. Johnson will give the Texans two solid pass rushers on the interior along with first-round pick Amobi Okoye.

Clark will have some pass-rushing opportunities in coordinator Richard Smith’s defense, but will likely share time with Charlie Anderson and Shantee Orr. In other battles, Steve McKinney overtook Mike Flanagan at center and Travis Johnson moved past Anthony Maddox at defensive tackle.

McKinney was limping noticeably as he was helped from the field. Houston has a good backup for him in Mike Flanagan, but McKinney shouldn’t miss time.

McKinney was injured in the third quarter and courageously played through it in the fourth. Houston has a more than capable backup in Mike Flanagan, who started last season. McKinney’s loss should only hurt the team’s depth.

McKinney was scheduled to be backup after the team acquired Chris Myers last week, and the Texans, who have plenty of depth at center, felt $1.35 million was too much to pay a reserve coming off an injury. Both sides seem amenable to working out a new deal, however. “I owe it to myself to test the market, but, truthfully, I’d like to come back here,” McKinney said.

Miami determined McKinney, 33, was incapable of helping them. They’ll go with a youngster (probably Donald Thomas) at guard opposite Justin Smiley.

The Dolphins have a hole at guard following Drew Mormino’s departure. McKinney could compete there or be a backup for center Samson Satele.

McKinney turns 33 this season and is coming off a torn ACL. It’s doubtful he’s got much left, but at least he adds some experience behind Samson Satele.

McKinney will be the team’s starter at left guard next season. At this point, Houston has 3/5 of their starting offensive line set. The move saves Houston over $2 million in cap room.