Kamari Lassiter of the Houston Texans brings a mindset for big hits and tackles that is unique among NFL cornerbacks

As the New England Patriots prepare for their AFC Divisional Round clash with the Houston Texans, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is expressing a level of confidence that borders on dismissive.

A breakout star this season across from Derek Stingley, Lassiter’s return gives the Texans the full complement of their weaponry defensively in what might be the best secondary in all of football.

Kamari Lassiter, bothered in recent weeks by knee and ankle injuries, will miss Houston's final game against Indianapolis.

Gonzalez sustained a head injury in last week’s 16-3 wild-card win over the Chargers, and was in the concussion protocol early in the week.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing two cornerbacks up from the practice squad for their game against the Houston Texans. Cornerbacks Tre Flowers and D’Shawn Jamison were elevated, though it is unknown if either will play. The Steelers did this with two wide receivers last year and both were inactive.

HEAD COACH MIKE VRABEL SAID TODAY THE TEXANS MIGHT BE THE BEST DEFENSE THAT THEY HAVE SEEN SO FAR. EDITORS IN THE NEWSROOM LOOKING AT THE CLOSE TIES FOR ONE OF THOSE DEFENSEMEN AND INTIMATE TIES. IN FACT,

Cornerback Alex Austin, running back D'Ernest Johnson and defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III were activated.