Brian

Cushing

Cushing has experienced a quiet market since being let go by the Texans in February. He met with Seattle early in free agency but left his visit without a contract. This would fall in line with Jon Gruden’s other veteran signings, including fellow linebackers Derrick Johnson and Tahir Whitehead. Cushing was limited to just five games last season after serving a 10-game ban for PEDs. That was the second time he’s been popped for performance-enhancing drugs.

Cushing had been scheduled to meet with the Raiders on Sunday, but it appears Oakland has already filled its linebacker quota after signing ex-Chief Derrick Johnson. Injury-prone and coming off a second PED suspension, Cushing hasn’t garnered much interest this offseason. Despite his baggage, we’d expect the 31-year-old to resurface on a cheap one-year deal at some point.

He will also help out on defense according to the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain. Cut by the Texans last February, Cushing drew almost no interest on the open market and spent the season out of the league. Taking this job suggests Cushing has closed the door on his playing career. The former first-round pick earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2009 and recorded 674 tackles across nine seasons, all with the Texans.

Cushing needed the assistance of medical personnel as he was leaving the field. Doctors are looking at his right knee on the sidelines. Tim Dobbins has come on as the replacement in a 10-3 game, though Cushing was back for the start of the second half.

Although shutdown corner Johnathan Joseph’s claim to the MVP was just as strong, Cushing easily led the team with 114 tackles while adding four sacks and two forced fumbles. The Texans allowed 91.2 fewer yards per game this season than last, the third biggest defensive improvement since 1970’s AFL-NFL merger.

Cushing wanted to rejoin the starting lineup before OTAs closed down for the offseason. “It’s as minor as they come,” Cushing said of the injury. “A bruise at most. If anything, it was more precautionary right now because of OTAs. I was out here today 100 percent, I haven’t felt better. No issue.”

Cushing was experiencing soreness in the knee, which he had surgically repaired early last offseason. “He’s fine,” Kubiak insisted. “Everything is fine. We will err on the side of caution here. I don’t even know if I’ll practice him the rest of the week. He did work out, he just didn’t go with the team.”

Asked if there was any legit concern, coach Gary Kubiak replied, “No, just his knee got sore on him; and I’m going to err on that side this time of year.” Cushing’s knee is worth monitoring, as he missed much of last year’s training camp following surgery.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak has confirmed the injury. The Jets have refused to place Darrelle Revis on I.R., hoping he can return for the Super Bowl. The Texans, who actually have a legit shot at the Lombardi Trophy, could opt to go the same route with Cushing. Veteran Tim Dobbins is expected to start alongside Bradie James, leaving coverage versus tight ends and running backs as an issue going forward.

So much for the Texans holding out hope that Cushing could help them in a potential Super Bowl appearance. The Texans’ 2011 team MVP and second-team All-Pro is officially done for the season and will be replaced by Tim Dobbins in base formations.