AP

The Texans are down a linebacker for their playoff game against the Bengals.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that Darryl Sharpton is done for the season as a result of a hip injury. Sharpton was injured in Sunday’s loss to the Colts, an injury that coach Gary Kubiak said left him concerned after the game.

The Texans have a fair amount of practice at playing without Sharpton this season. He started the year on the PUP list because of a quad injury that ended his 2011 season and made his debut in Week 11 against the Jaguars. He started five of the final seven games at inside linebacker, providing the Texans with help they needed after Brian Cushing was lost for the season.

Tim Dobbins, the likeliest replacement next to Bradie James, hurt his shoulder against the Colts and the Texans have still more injury concerns at linebacker. Outside linebacker Brooks Reed is battling a groin injury and did not play against the Colts. Kubiak said if Reed can walk, “he’s going to play.”

McClain reports that the Texans have brought back linebacker Mister Alexander to take Sharpton’s spot on the roster. That’s Mr. Mister Alexander to you, though.