National Football League

Texans WR Andre Johnson out vs. Colts

Published Dec. 20, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Houston Texans star receiver Andre Johnson will sit out Thursday night's game against the Indianapolis Colts because of a strained left hamstring.

Johnson, who will miss his ninth game this season, was sidelined for six straight games earlier in the year with a right hamstring injury that required surgery.

Coach Gary Kubiak said Tuesday that Johnson is ''very close'' to returning to practice, but isn't quite ready.

The Texans (10-4) have already clinched the AFC South, so Kubiak is staying cautious with the franchise's career leader in receiving yards. Houston plays Tennessee in its regular-season finale on Jan. 1.