Brian Cushing has a three month timetable

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing (56) against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Texans 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans star ILB Brian Cushing has suffered a season-ending leg/knee injury for a second straight season, but this one isn’t as serious. Cushing said yesterday that he broke his leg and tore his LCL, and the NFL Network’s Albert Breer reports that the Texans are confirmed that Cushing tore his LCL and broke his fibula. His season is definitely done, but Breer adds that Cushing’s timetable to recover is set at three months.

Why is that important? Well, it means that Cushing is going to have an easier time recovering from this knee injury, and he will be ready for OTAs once they start next season. That’s always a good thing, and there is far less of a chance of Cushing being limited or having a lingering injury. He’s had some awful luck with injuries, and a cut block from Kansas City Chiefs star RB Jamaal Charles caused this one.

Best of luck to Cushing in his recovery, and I love just how determined he is. The Texans, though, are getting a definite downgrade again this year with Darryl Sharpton starting next to Joe Mays on the inside, and it’s a crushing blow for the Texans defense. Sharpton isn’t bad by any means, but losing a leadership ILB as talented as Cushing always hurts. The injury looked like a major one at first glance, and the only bright side is that Cushing did not tear his ACL and only suffered LCL damage (there are so many possible, crucial knee ligaments that can be torn).

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe. Be sure to like us on Facebook here and follow our site on Twitter as well.