Von

Hutchins

McCleon played the position with St. Louis early in his career. The Texans hope he or Von Hutchins will emerge as a starter so C.C. Brown can move to his more natural in-the-box spot on the strong side to battle Glenn Earl.

The Houston Chronicle compares the injury to the one DeMarcus Faggins suffered last year; Faggins missed the first half of the season. The Texans were already going to be poor against the pass. Either Brandon Harrison or Von Hutchins will pick up snaps at safety while Earl’s foot heals.

Earl isn’t a great player by any means, but his loss hurts a young Houston secondary. The team will likely move C.C. Brown to his spot and allow Jason Simmons, Von Hutchins, and Brandon Harrison to battle in center field. Earl will enter a contract year in 2008 coming off a career-threatening injury.

The 5-9/181-pounder could be a big liability in run support. Continue to consider the Texans an excellent matchup for your fantasy running backs.

This could change if Michael Boulware comes around, but for now Von Hutchins is manning the free spot and did well in Sunday’s win. Playing the strong side should translate to more tackle opportunities for Brown.

It was originally believed Von Hutchins would get the gig, and he still may. Normally a special teamer, Simmons isn’t likely to be an effective starter.

Jason Simmons will move into the starting lineup at strong safety in place of Glenn Earl. Von Hutchins will continue to back Brown up at the free spot.

Following Dunta Robinson’s season ending torn ACL and hamstring, former FS starter Von Hutchins has moved back to corner. He’ll likely play the nickel behind Petey Faggins and Fred Bennett. Demps is a decent IDP pickup.

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.

Hutchins, projected to be the Falcons nickel back last year, suffered a Lisfranc fracture before the season and is still recovering. Hutchins is in the mix to back up Thomas DeCoud at safety. He won’t play much corner.