Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans: Ed Reed is a game-time decision

Aug 17, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans safety Ed Reed (20) talks with cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Dolphins 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

One big part of the Houston Texans’ defense hasn’t played a snap of the team, but is heavily needed this Sunday when the Texans host the Tennessee Titans.

The player is Ed Reed, but as of Thursday, Reed is a game-time decision, as the Texans and Titans kickoff at 1 p.m. EST on CBS in Houston.

Texans’ head coach Gary Kubiak said Reed was “good.”

“He was good,” Kubiak told the Houston media Thursday. “(He) probably took a little more than he did on this day last week … continued improvement right there and we’re probably working toward game day again.

“That’s what I would say, but he actually practiced a little bit more than he did last week with the pads on.”

Reed missed the season opener due to a hip injury, as he was signed as a free agent this past offseason after playing his entire career with the Baltimore Ravens.

“We really didn’t work him out for the game this past week,” Kubiak said. “We did work him out, but, if we send a guy out there before a game and there’s a decision to make by working him out, then we’re just trying to put him through a few explosive movements and see how he holds up.

“The question right now is when is he ready for those first 25-30 plays? That’s what we’re trying to make a decision on, but he’s making good progress. I just think we’ve got to keep going and keep preparing the way we’re preparing and, when we get there, it will be a big plus.”

Either way, for week two, free safety Shiloh Keo is making the start for the second consecutive week.

Reed also spoke to the media, Thursday.

“Coach knows my heart. I’ve been telling you guys, I wanted to play last week, but I understand my role too and try to encourage the guys, motivate the guys,” Reed said. “That’s why we just came from watching film and talking over stuff. I’m trying to pass knowledge as much as possible about the game, so we can be successful as a defense and as a secondary.

“I’m preparing always to play. Like I said, it’s day-to-day, game-to-game. We’ll see how it goes. Work went good today. Worked out well. Did some scout team reps, even played nickel a little bit to get some other movement around. Feeling much better than I felt last week, so we’ll see how it goes.”