Report: Houston LB Benardrick McKinney has sprained MCL

Houston Texans rookie linebacker Benardrick McKinney sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during Saturday's preseason loss to the Denver Broncos, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

McKinney, Houston's second-round pick in this year's draft, hasn't practiced this week, but as Wilson notes, the sprain is considered mild and he isn't expect to need surgery or miss much time.

Houston head coach Bill O'Brien said he was unsure whether McKinney would play in Houston's preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 3.

“I think he’s doing okay,” O’Brien said, per the Houston Chronicle. “I think he’s really working hard to get back. I don’t know if he’ll be back for the Dallas game, but I know he wants to get back. He’s chomping at the bit to be back and I think he’s doing better.”

The 43rd overall pick in the draft, McKinney is Houston's preseason leader in tackles with nine.

(h/t Houston Chronicle)