Houston -- If the Houston Texans are going to punch their playoff ticket, they will have to do so without Pro Bowl Tight End Owen Daniels.

Sunday afternoon Daniels suffered a season ending knee injury. As expected, the news became official today and Daniels will miss the rest of the season. Recovery, according to knee specialists, is anywhere from 6 to 8 months.

"It's the ACL," Gary Kubiak told reporters at Reliant Stadium Monday. " We have to get the swelling down for about 10 to 12 days then he'll have surgery in about 2 weeks," added Kubiak.

Daniels was hurt on Houston's second possession in Sunday's win at Buffalo when he caught his foot in the turf.

The fourth-year player has 40 receptions for 519 yards and five touchdowns this season. He'll be replaced by Joel Dreessen when the Texans travel to Indianapolis on Sunday.

Daniels absence will open the door for 4 or 5 receivers.

" They are all going to have to step up," said Kubiak. "We might play 4 receivers. The production of catching the football will have to come from the same group."

Also Monday, Kubiak reported that Tight End James Casey has a meniscus injury and will be sidelined for at least the next couple of weeks.

"James played a great game," said Kubiak. " He was out there for 42 plays and played in pain. We'll miss him."

The Texans travel to Indianapolis this Sunday to play the Colts before their bye week.