Texans morning huddle: Clowney, Jackson likely out

The Houston Texans are one day closer to their one and only Monday Night Football appearance against the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals. The morning huddle is here again to get you caught up on the news you need to know to be ready for the big day or night as it may be. Enjoy;

Bill O’Brien: Jadeveon Clowney (back) unlikely to play Monday – by Tania Ganguli, ESPN

"Texans coach Bill O’Brien says it’s unlikely Jadeveon Clowney will play on Monday Night Football against the Bengals.“He’s dealing with a back issue and it’s painful, so we’ve got to give it a little more time,” O’Brien said.Clowney missed Thursday and Friday after trying to practice in full pads on Wednesday."

Hoyer, Texans face big challenge in undefeated Bengals – by Kristie Rieken, Associated Press

"In his seventh NFL season, Brian Hoyer is thrilled to get his first start in a Monday night game when the Houston Texans visit Cincinnati.More from Toro TimesHouston Texans: Can Sean Payton really be the next head coach?Houston Texans Draft: Michael Mayer should be a no doubter at pick 12Houston Texans already telling fans the Davis Mills era is overHouston Texans have hand forced, waste no time in firing Lovie SmithHouston Texans: Pros and Cons of keeping Head Coach Lovie Smith“As a kid, you remember (the Monday Night Football theme song),” he said. “That’s the kind of thing you want to do when you’re in the NFL.”"

Six Points: Texans at Bengals – Fox Sports

"The Bengals (8-0) are off to their best start in franchise history. Playing under the lights has been somewhat of an issue in the past for quarterback Andy Dalton, but he took another step toward showing that this year is different with three touchdown passes and no turnovers in last Thursday’s 31-10 win over Cleveland."

First Glance: Texans at Bengals – by Drew Dougherty, HoustonTexans.com

"The Texans (3-5) travel to Cincinnati (8-0) for a Monday Night Football showdown in 10. Here are five key storylines to follow during the prime time matchup.1. Big time rush?- Barring a surprise, the Texans will be without Jadeveon Clowney. The outsidelinebacker is working through a back injury, and head coach Bill O’Brien said it’s unlikely the second-year pass rusher will suit up against the Bengals.That means Whitney Mercilus will likely slide into Clowney’s JACK linebacker spot and reprise the role he played two Sundays ago, when he and the Texans manhandled the Titans in a 20-6 victory."