HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610) -- Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus and left guard Max Scharping are expected to return from the Texans’ reserve-COVID-19 list this week, interim head coach Romeo Crennel said Monday.
Mercilus, who has three sacks on the season, missed Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to being deemed a close contact to fellow outside linebacker Jacob Martin, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
Scharping, who tested positive for the virus during the bye week, is also expected to return after missing Sunday’s game.
The Texans could use Scharping, who was benched earlier this season for Senio Kelemete due to performance.
Kelemete suffered a concussion Sunday against the Jaguars, and Crennel indicated Scharping could be their best option if Kelemete is unable to play Sunday at Cleveland.
Crennel said inside linebacker Dylan Cole, also deemed a high-risk close contact to Martin, is expected to return to practice.