Houston, TX (Sports Network) - The Houston Texans have placed cornerback Brice McCain on injured reserve with a designation to return after he broke his left foot in Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans.
Head coach Gary Kubiak confirmed the move during his Monday press conference, adding that McCain underwent surgery to repair the fracture that morning. The fourth-year pro sustained the injury during the first half of the Texans' 24-10 win over the Titans, a victory that secured a playoff berth for 11-1 Houston.
Under the designated to return tag, McCain would be eligible to resume practicing in six weeks and be put back on the active roster in eight weeks, meaning the Texans would have to reach Super Bowl XLVII for him to play.
A sixth-round pick of the Texans in the 2009 draft, McCain has been Houston's primary nickel back this season and recorded 24 tackles, one interception and eight passes defensed in 12 games.
His absence creates further concern to a secondary that's been hit hard by injuries in recent weeks, with both Pro Bowl cornerback Johnathan Joseph (hamstring) and fellow corner Alan Ball (foot) inactive for the Tennessee game.
The Texans will visit New England, which currently ranks sixth in the NFL in passing offense, in a Monday night matchup during Week 14.
