HOUSTON (November 28, 2012) -- Injuries have left the Houston Texans linebacking corps very thin.

With star Brian Cushing (knee) out for the season and starter Brooks Reed out indefinitely with a groin injury, young players Whitney Mercilus and Darryl Sharpton will have to step up to keep the defense rolling as the Texans (10-1) play for postseason positioning.

Coach Gary Kubiak says of the group: "How far we go, how well we play, how we hang on here and keep working has a lot to do with how they play."

Adding to the trouble, inside linebacker Bradie James, who has started every game for Houston this season, is day to day with a hamstring injury.

James, a 10-year veteran, says he's never been around a team with so many injuries to one position.