HOUSTON -- As Texans fullback Vonta Leach nurses a bruised knee, Rice rookie James Casey could make his first NFL start Sunday in Nashville, if Leach isn't ready to go.

“That’s a nice place to get your first start as a pro," head coach Gary Kubiak said. "Going to Tennessee and lining up and doing some iso (isolation) at fullback but he’s worked really good. He has no problem mentally, he knows what’s going on, he’s going to need an opportunity or something like this to see the speed of the National Football League and so his chance may be coming sooner than later.”

“I’m excited about it," Casey said. "They always say this game is about getting opportunities and taking advantage of it. I don’t know what’s going to happen Sunday, how well (FB) Vonta’s (Leach) going to be or not. But I’m preparing like I’m going to start, like you do every week. You’re always one or two plays away from playing and if I do get a chance to get out there and start and play a lot I’ve just got to try and take advantage of my opportunity and give everything I got on every play. Just show the team that I can help them and hopefully we’ll do well on Sunday.”