PHOENIX -- Texans veteran starting center Justin Britt is active for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals and returns to the starting lineup after being sidelined for a road loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Britt was replaced in the starting lineup by Justin McCray due to a bruised and slightly hyperextended knee that bent backward against the New England Patriots, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
A former Pro Bowl alternate with the Seattle Seahawks, Britt signed a one-year, $5 million contract this offseason and emerged as the leader of an overhauled offensive line. Britt could provide a steadying influence in the middle of the line to help rookie quarterback Davis Mills and the Texans' running game.
Center Cole Toner was elevated from the practice squad just in case
Texans wide receiver Danny Amendola returns to the lineup from a strained hamstring and is active for the first time since getting hurt against the Cleveland Browns and missing the past four games, all losses.
Rookie wide receiver Nico Collins (foot) and wide receiver Chris Conley (neck) are active along with defensive linemen Ross Blacklock, activated this week from the reserve-COVID-19 list after missing three games, and Charles Omenihu, a healthy scratch for the past three games.
Meanwhile, the Texans deactivated quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is the subject of trade discussions and has 22 civil lawsuits and 10 criminal complaints with no charges filed, for the seventh game in a row. The Texans' other inactives are cornerback Jimmy Moreland, tight end Brevin Jordan, running back Scottie Phillips, defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson (back, herniated disc), wide receiver Davion Davis and center Jimmy Morrissey, who was signed this week off of the Las Vegas Raiders' practice squad.
Aaron Wilson has covered the NFL for 20 seasons, including the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. He has previously written for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. He's on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL and Instagram: @aaronwilson7128
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