Brian Cushing has said that he would like to play against the Miami Dolphins this weekend.

The Houston Texans linebacker was rested against the Minnesota Vikings last week, before missing practices at the start of the week with a stomach virus.

The 26-year-old told the team's website: "Not my decision. We'll take it day-by-day. I'm practising to play, so we'll see what happens and see how I feel by the end of the week, but I'd like to."

Head coach Gary Kubiak added: "See how he's doing. He did well in pads today, not sure if we'll be in pads tomorrow or not, but all signs are pointing to him being able to get some reps but we'll see. We'll make a decision at the end of the week.

"Pretty full-go with what we're doing except for quarterback this morning. Any time Cush is on the field, the intensity picks up. We've got to start to get him ready to go, so back to work."

Cushing has not played since sustaining a season-ending knee injury in October.