For the first time in his professional career, Jeff Backus will not participate on game day.
Backus’ franchise best 186-game consecutive start streak is over, stopped by a hamstring injury. Rookie Riley Reiff became the first player other than Backus to start at left tackle for the Lions since 2000.
Stockar McDougall started at left tackle in the last game of the 2000 season.
Counting his 49 straight starts at Michigan and the playoff game last season, Backus’ streak is 236 games and dates back to 1997.
On a brighter note, safety Louis Delmas was back in the starting lineup for just the fourth time this season. He has missed the last three weeks with a left knee injury.
Also inactive for the Lions are receiver Titus Young (discipline), defensive tackle Corey Williams (knee) and cornerback Jacob Lacey (foot).
Rookie Ryan Broyles started for Young, Nick Fairley for Williams and Drayton Florence for Lacey.
Quarterback Kellen Moore, defensive tackle Ronnell Lewis and offensive tackle Corey Hilliard were also inactive.
The Texans will be without three defensive starters — cornerback Jonathan Joseph (hamstring), nose guard and former Lion Shaun Cody and middle linebacker Tim Dobbins.
Detroit native Alan Ball will start for Joseph, Earl Mitchell for Cody and Barrett Ruud for Dobbins.
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