HOUSTON (December 20, 2011) -- Houston Texans star receiver Andre Johnson will sit out Thursday night's game against the Indianapolis Colts because of a strained left hamstring.

Johnson, who will miss his ninth game this season, was sidelined
for six straight games earlier in the year with a right hamstring
injury that required surgery.

Coach Gary Kubiak said Tuesday that Johnson is "very close" to
returning to practice, but isn't quite ready.

The Texans (10-4) have already clinched the AFC South, so Kubiak
is staying cautious with the franchise's career leader in receiving
yards. Houston plays Tennessee in its regular-season finale on Jan.
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