Official: Texans LB Brian Cushing tears LCL, breaks fibula
Oct 13, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) watches the game against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at Reliant Stadium. The Rams won 38-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
NFL.com’s Albert Breer confirms that Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing has a broken fibula and torn LCL, which has a three-month recovery timetable for the linebacker.
Breer tweeted:
Tests confirm broken fibula, torn LCL for Texans LB Brian Cushing. ACL, PCL, MCL, patella are fine. Three-month recovery timetable for Cush.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 21, 2013
On his official Twitter account, Cushing tweeted Sunday night:
It's not how many times you fall down but how many times you get back up. Life is tough but I'm the toughest SOB it's ever seen. Ill be back
— Brian Cushing (@briancushing56) October 21, 2013
Last season, Cushing missed most if the season with a torn ACL.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles tweeted about Cushing Sunday evening, as he was the one who made the hit on the Texans linebacker:
Wishing @briancushing56 a speedy recovery. Hate to see anyone get injured on the football field.
— Jamaal Charles (@jamaalcharles) October 21, 2013
It will be interesting to see how the Texans recover from the loss of Cushing, who this past offseason signed a six year, $55.643 million deal. His deal included $21 million guaranteed.
This season, Cushing totaled 48 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception in his fifth NFL season. For his career he has 402 tackles, seven forced fumbles and eight interceptions.
In his five NFL seasons, Cushing has played a full regular season just twice in 2009 (his rookie season) and 2011. In 2010 the linebacker played in 12 games, in 2012 it was five games and this season will end at seven games as the Texans are 2-5 overall headed into their bye week.
How will the Texans fill in the void left by Cushing?
According the the Texans’ depth chart Tim Dobbins is next on the list, but he was inactive this past week with an injury. Other reserve inside linebackers are Mike Mohamed and Darryl Sharpton.
With the bye week full speed ahead, all we can do now is just take a breath and see what happens from here.