Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing was released from the hospital Thursday morning after a two-night stay for what the team has characterized as a "minor" virus.
Despite the hospitalization and missed practice time, coach Gary Kubiak wouldn't rule out Cushing for the Texans';nbsppreseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday.
"Cush has been released (from the hospital) this morning right before we came out to practice," Kubiak said. "I'm hoping he's over here this afternoon. He's feeling much better. As long as he's feeling well, he'll go through our jog-through in the morning and he'll get his repetitions on Saturday, so we'll see, but he's doing better."
Between Cushing's illness and Darryl Sharpton remaining on the active/physically unable to perform list, the Texans are thin at inside linebacker. A "pretty good injury" to Keyaron Fox, one that will require surgery, doesn't help.
Concerned with the numbers at the position, Kubiak said the Texans are considering adding a linebacker.
"Yeah, that's been something we've talked actually about before I came out with (general manager) Rick (Smith)," Kubiak said. "I know he's working on it. I don't know if we've got it done yet, but I'm concerned about the depth ... We're talking to a couple of guys right now, but I don't want to sit here and say who it is because I haven't talked to him (Rick Smith) since practice was over."
UPDATE: Fox was placed on season-ending injured reserve, the team announced Thursday. The Texans signed linebacker Omar Gaither to replace him, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.