This is the latest news on the Texans' LB front...wong may actually be ready for the season, but will be SLB
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports...nt/4063359.html
Wong could be ready for Texans opener
By MEGAN MANFULL
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
Earlier in the offseason, Texans coach Gary Kubiak said he hoped veteran linebacker Kailee Wong would be healthy enough to play halfway through the season. That timetable has changed dramatically.
Wong has made tremendous strides in recent weeks, and now Kubiak is optimistic that Wong will be ready to play in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 10.
One of the Texans' biggest concerns on defense is at linebacker, but the return of a healthy Wong would ease those concerns considerably.
"Some of the best news I've heard is that Kailee's ahead of schedule," Kubiak said. "I'm really excited about his progress. I think he's going to be ready to play, and if he is, he'll really help us. He's got talent, intelligence and experience. We're going to be smart with him, though."
Wong underwent two major knee surgeries last season, and there was speculation that his career might be over. Doctors and team trainers told Wong that if his knee healed quickly, he might be ready midway through the 2006 season.
Wong always remained optimistic he could defy those odds, and he is confident he will.
"In this last month or so, I've kind of shown people about where I'm at," Wong said. "With that being said, I still have a lot to prove. I still must show them I am doing really well and making the kind of progress needed to get on the field."
The Texans, who will limit him at the start of training camp, are looking forward to adding his versatility and nine-years of experience to the linebackers.
Wong spent four seasons playing in a 4-3 system with the Minnesota Vikings out of college. His first two seasons were spent at strongside linebacker and his last two were at middle linebacker.
He played outside linebacker during his first four seasons in Houston. This year, the new coaching staff has him studying SAM and MIC, with the likelihood that he will start practicing at SAM.
"It will probably be where they think I best fit in," Wong said. "Either one is fine with me. I just want to get back on the field."