Starting outside linebacker John Simon has been ruled out for the Texans' AFC wild-card playoff game against the Oakland Raiders on Saturday due to a chest injury.
Simon played against the Cincinnati Bengals, but injured his chest against the Raiders in a November road loss in Mexico City and missed the next four games.
He didn't play against the Tennessee Titans and hasn't practiced all week.
A former Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Simon set career highs this season with 51 tackles, four for losses, two passes defended and one forced fumble.
Simon also had 3 ½ sacks after recording a career-high five sacks last year.