5 Houston Texans don’t practice Thursday

Dec 1, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans tight end Garrett Graham (88) runs after a reception against New England Patriots safety Duron Harmon (30) at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Five Houston Texans players did not participate in Thursday’s practice as they prepare for the regular season finale this Sunday when they travel to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans.

Those who didn’t practice were tight end Garrett Graham (hamstring), running back Dennis Johnson (hip), inside linebacker Joe Mays (knee) wide receiver DeVier Posey (ankle) and fullback Brad Smelley (calf/back).

It looks, according to reports, the Texans will be without Dennis Johnson this weekend, leaving the Texans with Jonathan Grimes as the starter at running back, the fourth starting running back for the team this season.

Graham could miss his second consecutive game, which would be a big loss for the Texans as they try to snap their 13-game losing streak.

Ryan Griffin (knee) is the current starter in place of Graham at tight end, but he was limited in practice Thursday, as were fullback Greg Jones (knee), inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton (knee), defensive end Antonio Smith (knee) and offensive guard Wade Smith (knee).

If the Texans were to not have both Graham and Griffin at tight end against the Titans (the last team the Texans defeated in Week 2) I have no idea who the team would look to for the final game of the regular season as they are the two listed on the official depth chart of the team. Owen Daniels has been on the injured reserve list for a majority of the season.

Things do not look good for the team depth wise for this upcoming week, so I’m really not expecting much from them as the season comes to a close this Sunday in Nashville, injuries or not.

Not practicing for the Titans Thursday was linebacker Zach Brown (illness), defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (knee) and offensive tackle David Stewart (shoulder).