Linebacker Brian Cushing of the Houston Texans was named the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year on Tuesday, easily beating out Buffalo's Jairus Byrd.
Indianapolis rallied to beat Houston, 35-27, behind Peyton Manning's three touchdown passes. Brett Favre threw for a season-high 392 yards as the Vikings topped Chicago, 36-10. San Diego, Philadelphia and Atlanta were also winners.
AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner previews three top games in the NFL this week, including Dallas visiting Philadelphia. The undefeated Colts host the Texans, while the Super Bowl champion Steelers travel to Denver.
By KRISTIE RIEKEN
HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Texans owner Bob McNair has discussed the possibility of his team playing at Rice Stadium if repairs to Reliant Stadium from Hurricane Ike can't be made in time for its first home game on Oct. 5.
The stadium's retractable roof lost five pieces in the storm and officials said large pieces of debris had fallen into the stadium.
Though he has discussed playing at Rice, which is four miles from Reliant, McNair is "optimistic" that repairs can be made in time for Houston to play at home against the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 5.
"We would have to talk to them at Rice, but certainly it's a large enough stadium that it is a possibility," McNair said Tuesday.
Rice Stadium holds 47,000 in its current configuration, but the tarps could be moved off the end zone seating to expand the capacity to 70,000. It was opened in 1950 and hosted the Super Bowl in 1974.
Texans considering Rice Stadium for next home game....
By JOHN McCLAIN Houston Chronicle
The Houston Texans will not be playing their home opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night at Reliant Stadium.
The game was supposed to have been played at 7:30 p.m., but Hurricane Ike has caused damage to the stadium that has made it unsuitable for hosting the game.
"The facility will not be usable," said Shey Guinn, president of SMG, the company that manages Reliant Park.
"There's some structural damage to the roof. Part of it is off," Guinn said.
"There's also some other damage on the property caused by wind and water. We're in the process of assessing the damage," he said. "As far as the game being postponed again or played, that will be up to the NFL."
The game had originally been set for 3:15 p.m. Sunday, but because of Ike the NFL moved it to Monday night.
The Texans and Ravens will have no comment until they hear from the league. Conference calls among three are scheduled for later today.
Reliant Stadium damaged; won't host Monday game....
