Houston Texans: Antonio Smith misses practice

Nov 24, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) celebrates a sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans listed four players on their did not participate injury report list Wednesday, including defensive end Antonio Smith.

Smith is listed as missing practice for non-injury related related reasons. The nine-year pro has 24 total tackles this season, with one forced fumble and five sacks. For his career he’s totaled 41.5 sacks.

Also missing practice Wednesday were inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton (back), offensive guard Wade Smith (knee) and safety Jawanza Starling (hamstring).

Wade Smith is a big part of the Texans offense, starting 11 games in 2013. Even though the Texans’ offense line has played poorly as of late, the offense really needs Smith on the field to protect quarterback Case Keenum.

As for Sharpton, he has 51 total tackles this year and 125 in his four-year career. In the past three games Sharpton has 25 total tackles, including seven last week in the 13-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Sharpton would be another huge loss for the Texans if he’s unable to play this weekend against the New England Patriots. I guess it will be wait-and-see as the week goes on. If he’s unable to play this weekend, I believe the defense will suffer because of it.

Those listed with limited participation in practice for Houston included cornerback Kareem Jackson (ribs), who has missed the past two games.

Also listed with limited practice were: inside linebacker Mike Mohamed (hamstring), inside linebacker Jeff Tarpinian (groin) and running back Ben Tate (ribs).

Tate was held to one yard on seven carries last week as he’s played injured for a majority of the season.

Those on the injury list with full practice participation were: safety Shiloh Keo (neck), cornerback Elbert Mack (hamstring), inside linebacker Joe Mays (knee) and tackle Derek Newton (knee).