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HOUSTON -- Matt Schaub's chances of playing against Tampa Bay are slim as he recovers from a dislocated left shoulder, but Texans coach Gary Kubiak wouldn't rule him out for the week.

"It sure looks like he's going to miss some time. Whether we're talking about the next four weeks or not, I don't think we're at that stage," Kubiak said. "I think it's very hopeful that he does come back and play some more this year."

When pressed about the possibility of him playing this week, Kubiak said they should know more about his condition by Wednesday.

"I just know that if we went and played today there's no chance," Kubiak said. "So I would say it's not good at this point."

Schaub was injured on a sack in the first quarter of Houston's 28-20 loss to the Titans on Sunday. He was 3-for-5 for 34 yards. Backup Sage Rosenfels finished the game and had 185 yards passing with a touchdown and an interception.

Schaub missed one game this season recovering from a concussion, but sat out significant time in two others after hard hits.

Whoever plays quarterback for the Texans this week will be behind a line weakened by the loss of right guard Fred Weary, who broke his right leg Sunday. Chris White, who filled in for him and was also the backup center, is also out for the season with a knee injury.

"It will be impossible to fill his shoes, but somebody is going to have to step up for Fred," Rosenfels said. "The other four offensive linemen have to play great to make up for that."

Veteran Chester Pitts is the starter at left guard. Rookie Kasey Studdard is the other guard on the active roster and the Texans weren't pleased with his work in limited action on Sunday. Mike Brisiel will be elevated from the practice squad this week to compete with him for the job.

Brisiel could also be valuable to the team because he is the only player aside from veteran starter Mike Flanagan who has experience at center.

"The good news is that whoever steps in there will have Mike Flanagan, who has played a ton of football games, right next to them to help them out," Kubiak said.

With Schaub's status undetermined, the Texans might have to decide whether to place Ahman Green on the injured reserve to free up a roster spot for another quarterback. The Texans' third quarterback is Shane Boyd, who is on the practice squad.

Since Week 2, Green has missed six games and played sparingly in the other four with a lingering knee problem. He practiced last week, but Kubiak said he wasn't healthy enough to play.

"I think it's pretty important that he gets on the field this week," Kubiak said. "If not, then we're probably going to have to make a decision pretty quickly."

Ron Dayne has started in his place and had 18 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee. He likely will be held out of practice early this week after rolling his ankle on Sunday, but Kubiak said he should be OK by Sunday.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press