The Houston Texans have revealed that uncertainty remains over Wade Smith's and Ed Reed's availability for the first game of the regular season.
Smith underwent a knee operation last month to reduce swelling, while Reed needed hip surgery earlier in the year.
Smith told the team's website: "Well, I play left guard. I'm not the decision-maker here, but if I'm ready to go and the coaches feel good, then I'll play.
"They don't put just any teams in a primetime game, but however they make up the schedule, we have to line up and play games, and we have to line up and play well. That's what we plan to do."
Speaking about Reed, wide receiver Andre Johnson added: "Only Ed knows that, if he's able to play. I know he's real close to feeling well and whatnot, just from talking to him. Just to see him out on the field is always a positive. I don't think if he wasn't feeling good, he would not be out there."
The Texans play the San Diego Chargers on Monday night.
Sian Cowper
