Understandably, being snubbed doesn’t sit well with those players. Just ask Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing, who admitted Thursday that he’s particularly peeved over missing the cut.

“I’d be lying to you if I said I wasn’t (upset),” Cushing told the Houston Chronicle. “I play this game to be the best, and I’m never going to hide that. Obviously, (the voters) don’t think I’m good enough yet, and I’ll continue to (improve). As far as motivation and a driving force, this is going to be a big one.”

There’s definitely a case to be made for Cushing. The third-year man has been an under-the-radar yet significant factor for defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, whose transformed the unit into the No. 2 overall defense in the NFL.

“They don’t see how many plays (Cushing) makes that are unseen, unless you put the camera on it, slow it down, and go in slow motion,” Phillips said. “I know a lot of people are deserving, but that guy’s a holy phenom now. He’s one of the best I’ve coached, and I’ve been at it a long time.”

Cushing’s totaled 110 tackles, 4 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions this season, nearly identical numbers to that of the Chiefs’ Derrick Johnson, who was selected to his first Pro Bowl.

Despite being overlooked, Cushing will have the opportunity to show his peers that he belonged as the Texans gear up for a postseason run.

Naturally, when a contender needs a signal-caller, one name, for whatever reason, immediately comes to mind: Brett Favre.

When some begin to connect the dots, assuming the greybeard could once again be ushered out of retirement, a denial of such speculation usually comes straight from the horse’s mouth.

That’s exactly what happened Sunday night, as neither party is particularly interested in making it happen.

Texans general manager Rick Smith stated to SI.com’s Peter King that he doesn’t see the team placing a call to Favre, nor does he foresee the 42-year-old suiting up for Houston.

“I don’t want to bring the circus to town,” Smith said to King on NBC’s Football Night in America.

King, a longtime confidant of Favre, was also told by the future Hall of Famer via text that he’s “not up to it,” adding that he hasn’t thrown a football since November 4 and “no team has called him about playing.”

Taking both of their comments at face value, it appears Favre, who was subject to the same rumors on two other occasions this year, is done for good, and enjoying life away from football in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

As for the Texans, they appear content to roll with rookie T.J. Yates under center, with veteran Kellen Clemens as his primary backup. Though they’ll likely acquire another quarterback during the upcoming week, it won’t be the one entering his 21st season in the NFL.

Unfortunately, his fifteen minutes in the sun only lasted a half, and now appears ready to join Schaub on the shelf.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora, Leinart acknowledged after Houston’s 20-13 win over the Jaguars Sunday that there’s a “pretty good possibility” he’s done for the season.

Leinart was knocked out of the game shortly before the second quarter concluded with a left clavicle injury. He didn’t re-enter the contest, giving way to fifth-round rookie T.J. Yates.

On the sideline, Leinart had his left arm — also his throwing arm — immobilized in a sling, a telling sign that this injury is indeed a serious one. This would be the second time he fractured his left collarbone in his career; it first happened in 2007 with the Cardinals.

In the coming days, the Texans are expected to sign another quarterback to the roster with only Yates and recent veteran acquisition Kellen Clemens left on the depth chart.

Losing Leinart, who completed 10 passes for 57 yards and a touchdown prior to the injury, isn’t a devastating blow for Houston. Employing arguably the league’s best one-two punch at running back — Arian Foster and Ben Tate — and a strong defense, they’ll still be the favorites down the stretch to win the AFC South.

According to Jason La Canfora of NFL Network, receiver Kevin Walter suffered a broken shoulder in the team’s 34-7 victory over the Colts. He’s expected to be on the shelf for 10-12 weeks.

Walter recorded one catch for 14-yards before exiting the game.

The team’s slot receiver, Walter wasn’t a serious threat to receive many looks this year stuck behind Andre Johnson and Jacoby Jones on the depth chart. But he’s a valuable asset to the running game, so this loss could affect Arian Foster (or Derrick Ward or Ben Tate) on the perimeter.

Because his prognosis would keep him out for basically the entire season, Walter may be headed to the injured reserve list sooner than later.

According to NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora, the Houston Texans plan to be aggressive when free agency begins, and will join several teams in the Asomugha sweepstakes.

Although the specifics of free agency, such as market value, won’t be known until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, the organization is deadset on improving their 32nd-ranked passing defense from last season.

Moreso, new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips reportedly wants to “change the entire culture” of the defense. The Texans will be switching to a 3-4 alignment under Phillips, and he better hope the move pays off; there’s “significant pressure” on Houston to “break through” and finally reach the playoffs for the first time in the team’s existence.

In order to acquire Aso, the Texans will have to agree to his undoubtedly high price tag. If they choose not to back up a Brinks truck in Asomugha’s driveway, La Canfora suggests the Bengals’ Johnathan Joseph, who should come much cheaper, as a potential fall-back option.

Assuming this report holds true, the Texans have become a legit landing spot for the soon-to-be hottest commodity on the open market.

Owen Daniels

Thankfully, the NFL and the NFL Players Association agreed to a 24-hour extension in the labor talks, temporarily preventing a lockout from officially occurring. While teams are not permitted to negotiate with free agents during that time span, they’re allowed to lock up their own players; and several teams took advantage of that fact.

While several players acquired new contracts today, there are three notable players to discuss. Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels, who was re-signed to a four-year, $22 million deal, Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk, who signed a new five-year deal, and New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas, who agreed to a four-year, $12 million pact.

Daniels, one of the Texans’ most dynamic weapons on offense, spent much of last season recovering from a torn ACL, which significantly affected his production. Before the injury, Daniels was a Pro Bowler in 2008 and was among the leaders in receptions for the team. He’s not a prototypical tight end; much like the Chargers’ Antonio Gates, he’s a wide receiver stuck in a tight end’s body. He is talented enough to play in-line on running plays, but could also kick out to the slot and stretch the field that way. Houston did well with the contract and it looks like a fair deal for both sides.

Hawk was released by Green Bay yesterday, though afterward reports quickly surfaced that the team was intent on bringing him back. The Packers did not want to pay his $10 million escalator, though his new multi-year contract is expected to net him around $30-35 million, including $10 million in guarantees. It’s a good chunk of change the organization is handing over, but Hawk has proven his worth to the Super Bowl champs. As previously mentioned, Hawk was their leading tackler in 2010 and was stout at the point of attack. The linebacking corps for Green Bay could be their strongest and deepest position.

For the second time this week, the Saints have extended one of their own, though Thomas’ new contract is a bit of a head scratcher. He spent a good part of the 2010 season dealing with injuries, and it seemed like he wasn’t the team’s first choice at running back. Thomas was thrust into action when Reggie Bush and Chris Ivory also went down with ailments. Last offseason, it looked as if an extension was forthcoming, but it never materialized. Thomas finished the year with only 269 yards and two touchdowns, but he should be in line for a big rebound if he can stay healthy.

Eugene Wilson

As ESPN’s Adam Schefter put it, there’s “not much safety in being a safety” in the NFL, at least for today. Indianapolis’ Bob Sanders was already cut, as was St. Louis’ O.J. Atogwe. Now it’s time to add Eugene Wilson to the list.

Wilson, along with four of his teammates, were released by the Houston Texans — a series of moves that’s expected to save the team over $9 million in cap space.

Also cut were wide receiver Andre Davis, linebackers Isaiah Greenhouse and Darnell Bing, and defensive tackle DeMario Pressley.

Wilson was the biggest name of the bunch as he started 13 games for Houston in 2010. He made 56 tackles, but posted no interceptions, forced fumbles, or sacks as the Texans defense ranked among the worst in the NFL. Wilson, who signed with Houston in 2008, was routinely victimized by opposing receivers, especially elite talents. Between his deficiencies in coverage, and the $3.5 million he was due in 2011, the team had no choice but to cut bait and move on.

Davis, a nine-year veteran, will save the team around $4.7 million this year. During his time in the league, he has also been apart of the Browns, Patriots, and Bills organizations. Although he’s an above-average kick return man, he was buried on Houston’s depth chart and is no more than a fourth-string receiver.

The other players — Greenhouse, Bing, and Pressley — were bottom of the roster types.

Gary Kubiak

Now that they’ve fired former defensive coordinator Frank Bush, the Houston Texans won’t be writing up any other pink-slips today as Black Monday comes to a close.

According to the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain, Texans owner Bob McNair has confirmed that Gary Kubiak will remain the team’s head coach for a sixth season.

McClain predicted last week that Kubiak’s job would be safe if he fired Bush and secondary coach David Gibbs. They were given their walking papers and Kubiak will now live to coach another year.

In five years as Houston’s coach, Kubiak has guided them to a 37-43 record, including zero playoff appearances. While the offense is certainly no problem, the defense — which was historically bad this season — is another story.

Both McNair and Kubiak hope that a defensive staff housecleaning will get them into the postseason, and their first move will likely include the hiring of former Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips as defensive coordinator.

Before that happens, though, they’re going to conduct interviews for the position and will move fast to do so.

“It’s got to be quick… we’ve got to start tonight.”

Frank Bush

The Houston Texans defense finished the year ranked as one of the worst units in the NFL, prompting the team to relieve their coordinator of his duties.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Texans have fired defensive coordinator Frank Bush. Bush has been apart of the organization since 2007 and was promoted up to his now-former position in 2009.

Houston’s defense finished the 2010 season ranked 30th overall and last in passing defense, while allowing 427 points – good for second most in the AFC.

All season long, the group allowed sub-par quarterbacks to carve up their secondary and exploit a group that looked hapless at times. This move was expected for weeks, so it should come as absolutely no surprise.

Now that they have the opening on their staff, Wade Phillips is expected to fill the position, as previously reported. ESPN’s John Clayton reported on SportsCenter Live this afternoon that Phillips will fly to Houston on Wednesday and a deal will then likely be consummated.

Phillips has experienced success as a DC in the NFL and could significantly improve a group that has talent, despite what the statistics show.

Wade Phillips

Many have speculated that Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak is on the verge of losing his job following a disappointing 2010 campaign. While that remains to be seen, the Texans might be bringing aboard a former head coach to run its defense.

Per NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora, former Cowboys coach Wade Phillips is now a candidate — and could be the front-runner — to join the Texans’ staff as defensive coordinator in 2011. Phillips was fired by Dallas early on in November.

Assuming Kubiak survives the axe, the team is expected to undergo an overhaul to its defensive staff, with many positional coaches facing unemployment. The Houston Chronicle’s John McClain predicts that Kubiak will return as long as he fires current defensive coordinator Frank Bush and secondary coach David Gibbs.

Phillips, a Texas native, may not have been the best head coach, but if there’s one thing he could do it’s run a defense – the area that’s been Houston’s Achilles heel all season long.

They have enough talent on that side of the ball to at least field a respectable unit, though not as much as Phillips had in Dallas.

Still, the Texans have nowhere to go but up after finishing as statistically one of the worst groups in the NFL this year, so the hiring of Phillips in the coordinator capacity seems like the most logical decision.