Texans safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. has been ruled out of the Texans' season-opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a thigh injury.
Johnson had not practiced all week and was officially ruled out in Friday's injury report.
Without Johnson, the Texans will rely more on starting safeties Justin Reid and Eric Murray and reserve Terrence Brooks.
Johnson, now in his third season, had highlights in training camp and the preseason. He returned an interception for a touchdown against Cowboys backup quarterback Ben DiNucci.
The Texans on Sunday are thin in their secondary, already without cornerback Bradley Roby even before he was traded due to a suspension levied last year for a banned substance violation.
Also on the injury report Friday are linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis, who is questionable with a thigh injury and defensive end Jonathan Greenard, who is questionable with an unspecified illness. Neither player practiced Friday.
Defensive end Whitney Mercilus, who'd been limited at practice with a thigh injury, was a full participant. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins, who had been limited at practice this week with a knee injury, was also a full participant.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio told Payne and Pendergast earlier in the week Deshaun Watson would not play Sunday, which was reiterated by head coach David Culley. The team officially ruled him out for Sunday for reasons "not injury related."
Brandon Scott manages digital content for SportsRadio 610. Follow him on Twitter @brandonkscott.
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