HOUSTON (CBS HOUSTON) – The last time Chris Clark filled in for a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle who was injured during the season, that team went to the Super Bowl. If the Texans have designs on keeping their playoff lives going beyond next week, he will again need to be a super substitute.

Duane Brown is lost for the season and Sunday, as well as going forward, Chris Clark gets the opportunity to replace him in what many consider the most important spot on the offensive line.

“Just be ready, always be ready,” is what was going through his mind said Clark. “Looking at the injury, you pray for your brother instantly, that’s the first thing you do and then from there you just take a deep breath and you get ready to go.”

He was added to the team during the preseason when the Texans traded him for what was reported to be a seventh round pick. In 2013, he started 14 of 16 regular season games and all three of the Broncos playoff games. The following year he started seven of the 13 games he played in for the Broncos including the lone playoff game for Denver.

Clark said being the team’s swing tackle always has him starting as if he will play each week. He said he’s always been ready since he has been in that role.

He knows his role now is clearly defined.

“Not being the weakest link is the main deal for me,” he said. “Just playing hard man and I know these guys, these other four guys, next to me on the line is counting on me.”

Clark knows his experience, and what he has seen from this team, could mean something positive for the Texans going forward.

“Just always been ready, always being ready, that’s the key to this thing. I feel good about what’s going on as far as the way we’re headed.”

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