Texans vs. 49ers: Cushing probable; Brown questionable for Sunday

Sep 9, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Houston Texans line backer Brian Cushing (56) celebrates with teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans had some good news, some bad news and some pending news on their Friday injury report for this weekend’s game in San Francisco against the 49ers.

The good news is linebacker Brian Cushing is cleared to play following his concussion, which might be the best news the Texans could have received this week.

Cushing left last week’s loss to Seattle early with the injury, and facing the 49ers’ running game of veteran Frank Gore and quarterback Colin Kaepernick isn’t an easy assignment for Houston.

This season Cushing has 33 combined tackles, with one forced fumble and one interception. His best game this year was week two where he had 10 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks. His interception came in the season opener against the San Diego Chargers.

The bad news is starting offensive guard Brandon Brooks is out with a toe injury, as is inside linebacker Tim Dobbins with a tweaked hamstring.

Potential good news is starting left tackle Duane Brown is listed as probable with his toe injury, as he was limited in the Texans’ most recent practice. Brown has missed the past two games with the turf toe injury, both games resulting in losses for the 2-2 Texans. The 49ers are also 2-2 headed into this game.

If the Texans are able to have Brown return, that would be big, especially with Brooks already being ruled out for this weekend. The Texans need Brown back on the offensive line as soon as possible.

The 49ers have listed wide receiver Quinton Patton out due to a foot injury.

They have eight players listed as questionable, including cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (knee), tight end Vernon Davis (hamstring) and linebacker Patrick Willis (groin).