The Houston Texans will not have inside linebacker Tim Dobbins available for the postseason, with the team placing the veteran on injured reserve on Friday due to a serious ankle sprain.
Dobbins sustained the injury during last Sunday's loss to Indianapolis in the regular-season finale. The seventh-year pro started six times during the 2012 campaign and recorded 43 tackles along with one interception.
The move adds further concern to what has already been a thin position for the AFC South champion Texans. The team lost top inside linebacker Brian Cushing to a season-ending torn ACL back in Week 5, while replacement Darryl Sharpton landed on IR on Tuesday after hurting his hip in the Indianapolis game.
Journeyman Barrett Ruud is now expected to start opposite Bradie James on the inside for Saturday's AFC Wild Card Playoff against Cincinnati.
The Texans received better news regarding outside linebacker Brooks Reed, who sat out four of the final five regular-season tests with a groin strain. The second-year starter put in a second consecutive limited practice on Friday and is listed as probable for Saturday's tilt.
Tight end Owen Daniels (chest/knee), who leads the team in touchdown catches (6) and ranks second in receptions (62) and receiving yards (716), is also probable along with defensive end Antonio Smith (ankle), fullback James Casey (knee), nose tackle Shaun Cody (back), guard Wade Smith (knee), offensive tackle Derek Newton (knee) and wide receiver DeVier Posey (foot).
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