Texans TE Daniels to miss rest of season

Sports Network | November 2, 2009

Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels will miss the remainder of the season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Daniels was hurt during Sunday's win over Buffalo while running a pass route and underwent tests Monday. Daniels will undergo season-ending surgery in about two weeks when the swelling in his knee goes down.

Daniels, a Pro Bowl selection last season, has helped the Texans to a 5-3 record. He leads the Texans with five touchdown receptions to go along with 519 yards and 40 catches.

"O.D. tore his ACL," said Houston coach Gary Kubiak. "They're going to let the swelling go down over the course of the next 10-12 days and then schedule surgery, so surgery will probably be in about two weeks. Obviously, he's done for the season and a big blow to our football team."

Over 54 career games -- all with the Texans -- the 6-foot-3, 245-pound Daniels has amassed 2,501 yards and 15 touchdowns on 207 receptions.

Also for Houston, rookie tight end James Casey is out with a knee injury of his own. Casey had his first two career receptions Sunday but underwent surgery Monday morning to repair meniscus damage in his knee.

Kubiak is hopeful Casey can return to action after the Texans' bye, when the club plays Tennessee on November 23.

"James Casey had a scope this morning too," said Kubiak. "He had a scope and he will be out this week. We hope to have him back after the bye. So we're hoping for a three week turnaround right there gets him back on the field to help us."

Joel Dreessen, in his fourth year, will take over the starting tight end position with Daniels out. Rookie Anthony Hill will be the Texans' second tight end.