Danieal

Manning

Harris was solid as a rookie starter last season but Manning is considered to have better range.

The surprising selection from Abilene Christian was taken mostly for his return skills. For now, he’ll be the fourth cornerback at best behind Nathan Vasher, Charles Tillman, and Ricky Manning Jr.

Cornerback Sherrick McManis may also be worked in on kickoffs if Manning needs a breather. Manning has averaged an impressive 26.8 yards on 101 returns with the Bears over the past five years. Jacoby Jones will remain the primary punt returner.

Manning said that in a “best case” scenario he’d only miss a month. In a worst case scenario, he’d miss 8-10 weeks and probably have to be placed on injured reserve. Manning is both Houston’s center-field safety and kickoff returner, so you could argue that this injury is bigger even than Mario Williams’. He’s going to be very much missed in terms of pass coverage.

Manning’s original timetable was 4-6 weeks after surgery to repair a fractured left tibia. He’s currently two weeks into rehab. Manning will get his starting job back from Troy Nolan when healthy, but it would be a best case scenario if he was able to return after the Texans’ Week 11 bye.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Manning could start against the Jaguars. Manning was given a 4-6 week recovery timetable, but returning this Sunday would still be a best-case scenario. If he practices Wednesday, how he feels on Thursday could go a long way toward determining if he suits up for Week 12.

Manning’s return is a major boost to a defense that is already ranked second in the league in points against per game. They’ll be a recommended fantasy play against uncomfortable rookie Blaine Gabbert and the Jaguars Sunday.

“Tremendous player,” DC Wade Phillips said. “Coaching-wise, when you see a guy play like he plays and practice like he practices, you realize how good they really are and how important they really are. He plays faster than everybody else. I’m talking about everybody else that I see play safety.” Manning missed three games last season, but still finished fourth on the team in tackles.

Manning’s return is labeled “questionable” after he was carted to the locker room. Troy Nolan is his backup.

“My gut feeling is that I’ll be back,” Manning said Sunday night. “I feel like I heal pretty well. I haven’t had any major injuries thus far, and I don’t consider this being a major injury right now. All I’m hearing is positive, so the worst it may be – I guess, I don’t know – it may be 4-6 weeks.” It sounds like the Texans will do what they can to keep Manning off injured reserve, for now. He’s been a difference maker at free safety.