Andre Johnson Injury: Houston Texans Will Be Fine While Top WR Rests

It's still uncertain how much time Andre Johnson will miss because of a hamstring injury, but the Houston Texans will be just fine without him. 

What we do know is that Johnson will be out at most a few weeks, which is very good news for Houston and all of Johnson's fantasy owners.

Head coach Gary Kubiak told reporters that they don't plan to rush Johnson's return because they're looking out for him. Per CBS Sports:

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"We're going to get a couple of different opinions over the next couple of days,” Kubiak said. “Obviously, it's a big concern going forward. We have to do what's best for Andre. He's going to miss some time. Right now, I don't know if that's three or four days or a few weeks."

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In the next two weeks, the Texans play at home against the Oakland Raiders and then on the road against the Baltimore Ravens. Having Johnson would help in both games, but these games are still winnable without him, as Houston is steadily improving week-by-week. 

The fact that these aren't division matchups is a huge plus, because those are the games Houston has to win the most. With Peyton Manning sidelined, the AFC South is Houston's for the taking, but the Tennessee Titans have shown they're a much better team than expected, so the division is no guarantee. 

Houston will look to a healthy Arian Foster to continue to produce at a high level while Johnson heals his hamstring.

Foster rushed for 155 yards and one touchdown on 30 carries Sunday, which was a huge surprise, considering it was against the Pittsburgh Steelers defense who hadn't given up more than 100 rushing yards since Week 1.

In fact, the Steelers defense didn't give up 100 yards rushing to any running back a year ago. They're still a tough defense, but the fact that Foster owned them this past week proves that he is back and is the real deal.    

Kubiak stated the obvious to reports when he said other players will have to step up. 

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"You don't replace Andre Johnson," Kubiak said. "Others have to pick it up the way they did Sunday. If he's going to miss some time, the other players will really have to stick up." 

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Foster will carry the load while Johnson is out, and Owen Daniels production will greatly increase. Matt Schuab is a very good quarterback, and although Johnson has always made his stats better, he's had experience of performing well while Johnson is injured.

Jacoby Jones, Kevin Walter, Daniels and Joel Dreessen will step up and make the necessary plays to help the Texans win. 

There's no question the Texans will greatly miss Johnson, and they are far from the same team without him.

However, they will make do and persevere.