Texans found it challenging to re-sign WR Walter

Although the Houston Texans would like to keep the pending unrestricted free agent wide receiver Kevin Walter in the Texans jersey, they may feel that re-signing him is beyond their ability, according to the team’s general Rick Smith.

“We would like to have Kevin back,” Smith said, noting he had talked to Walter’s agent. “He is an important part of our football team and we would like to (keep him.) Unfortunately the thing about free agency now is, you can’t keep everybody. When you talk about putting a football team together and structuring your team and trying to improve and get better, you’ve got to make some tough decisions. And sometimes, you’ve got to let players go that you otherwise wouldn’t want to. That’s just a part of it.”

Walter will turn 29 in August and caught 53 passes for 611 yards and two TDs in 14 starts for Houston last season, missing two games with a hamstring injury. However, the Texans may not feel much pain if Walter really chooses to depart because they still have Jacob Jones, Andre Davis and David Anderson in wide receiver depth.

Texans LB Cushing excluded of swine flu and returned to practice

After staying home for one day with flu-like symptoms, the Houston Texans rookie linebacker Brian Cushing was excluded of swine flu and returned to practice Thursday in 100% health.

The Texans has been hit hard b the flu in the past week. And their tight end Anthony Hill was the NFL’s first confirmed case of swine flu. It caused many players to concern about their health and become alert on flu-like symptoms. Fortunately, Hill has recovered from the flu and returned to practice Wednesday, one day before Cushing’s return.

As the Texans’ first-round draft pick at No. 15 overall, Cushing has led the team with 33 tackles. Since he has recovered, Coach Gary Kubiak has said that he would have Cushing play in Sunday’s game against the Cardinals at Arizona.