Owen Daniels ruled out for Sunday’s game

Sep 15, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) celebrates a third quarter touchdown against Tennessee Titans safety Bernard Pollard (31) at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels is out for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.

After suffering a leg injury in Week 5 versus the 49ers, Daniels was placed on IR designated to return. Daniels has been eligible to return for the last couple weeks, but he will be inactive once again this week. Backup TE Garrett Graham has also not practiced this week due to a hamstring injury.

According to ESPN Houston Texans reporter Tania Ganguli, Daniels and Graham are the only tight ends on the roster. If both tight ends are a no-go for Sunday, it could mean every-down work for fullback Greg Jones, or more four receiver sets in the Houston offense. Either way, it’s looking like interim head coach Wade Phillips will have to get creative on offense in his first game officially leading the team.

With no playoff chances, Houston may consider shutting down Daniels for the season. While several things have gone wrong for the Texans this year, losing a Pro-Bowl tight end in Daniels was one of the biggest blows for the team this season.