Joseph is active for the Houston Texans after missing two games with a hamstring injury.||||||| Joseph's presence should help contain the Patriots' high-powered passing attack.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak says cornerback Johnathan Joseph, linebacker Bradie James and offensive linemen Derek Newton and Antoine Caldwell will miss Sunday's game at Tennessee. All of those players sat out Friday's workout, as did cornerback Alan Ball, who has a sore foot. Kubiak had already ruled out linebacker Brooks Reed, who's sidelined indefinitely with a groin injury.||||||| Joseph (hamstring), Caldwell (hamstring), Newton (right knee) and James (hamstring) have sat out practices all week. Ball will be a game-time decision.

Joseph sat out practice Wednesday with a groin injury.||||||| Texans coach Gary Kubiak said he was optimistic that Joseph would play against the Ravens Sunday.

The Texans have agreed to terms with Joseph.||||||| Houston went 6-10 last season and was desperate to land a top-tier cornerback. It was reportedly a front-runner to land Nnamdi Asomugha. The Texans had the league's worst pass defense in 2010, allowing a league-high 18 receptions covering 40 yards or more. The 27-year-old Joseph is three years younger than Asomugha, and intercepted nine passes in his last two seasons in Cincinnati. The Bengals drafted Joseph out of South Carolina with the 24th overall pick in 2006.