WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. - Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney emerged as one of the top young defensive players in the NFL last season.
Sidelined this past week with an unspecified injury, the second-team All-Pro is expected to return to practice Friday, according to coach Bill O'Brien. McKinney was held out of the Texans' 27-17 preseason loss to the Carolina Panthers and replaced in the starting lineup by rookie second-round draft pick Zach Cunningham.
McKinney led the Texans with 129 tackles last season. The former second-round draft pick from Mississippi State was the only player in the NFL last season to record at least 100 tackles and five sacks.