NFL notes: Texans’ Keenum set to start
Case Keenum will start at quarterback for the Houston Texans on Sunday at unbeaten Kansas City. Coach Gary Kubiak said on Thursday that Matt Schaub, who is dealing with injuries to his right ankle and foot, won’t play this week.
Keenum was a record-setting quarterback at the University of Houston before spending last season on the Texans’ practice squad. The undrafted free agent has not appeared in a regular-season NFL game.
The Texans have lost four straight games, hurt by penalties, turnovers and other mistakes. Kubiak chose to go with Keenum over backup T.J. Yates, who led Houston to its first playoff win two years ago when Schaub was hurt.
Peterson attends funeral for son
Adrian Peterson has rejoined the Minnesota Vikings after missing practice to attend the funeral for his 2-year-old son.
Peterson said he went to Sioux Falls, S.D., for a private service. The boy died last week in an alleged case of child abuse. Peterson said he didn’t know the child was his until about two months ago and had been working with the boy’s mother to support the family financially and meet the boy, whose name was Tyrese Robert Ruffin.
The first time Peterson saw the child was when he was in the hospital last Thursday. The boy died the next day.
Peterson plans to play on Monday night against the Giants.
Locker practices, prepared to start
Injured Tennessee quarterback Jake Locker said he’s preparing to start Sunday against San Francisco.
Coach Mike Munchak said the Titans are going to wait and see how Locker feels after a second straight practice before deciding who starts for the Titans against the 49ers.
Locker has missed two games with a sprained right hip and knee. If he can’t start, backup Ryan Fitzpatrick will get the nod.
Quick kicks
Browns starting RB Willis McGahee is not practicing because of an unspecified injury. If McGahee can’t play, the Browns will likely start FB Chris Ogbonnaya at tailback with Bobby Rainey and Fozzy Whitaker as his backups. … The Minnesota Vikings have ruled starting FS Harrison Smith out for the game against the New York Giants on Monday night because of turf toe on his left foot. Andrew Sendejo will start in Smith’s place. … Jacksonville WR Cecil Shorts (injured chest) will likely be a game-time decision Sunday in the Jaguars’ home game against the San Diego Chargers. … WR Roddy White, RB Steven Jackson and OT Sam Baker missed another practice for the Atlanta Falcons. Backup TE Chase Coffman also missed practice with an injured knee.