Texans: Swearinger hopeful of playing Sunday

As a second-round pick out of South Carolina in 2013, there was a bit of a learning curve for D.J. Swearinger, who struggled to an overall grade of -6.4 in his first year.

In week one it looked as if it may be more of the same but against the Oakland Raiders in Week 2, Swearinger was Houston’s top rated defender, finishing with a grade of +2.2 while also forcing and recovering a fumble on separate occasions. He now leads Houston with six stops, is tied with J.J. Watt and Brooks Reed for a team-high one sack, and is also third on the team with 10 solo tackles. Needless to say, this is more like what the Texans drafted him to do.

Swearinger, who hyperextended his left elbow against Oakland, seemed hopeful to take the field come Sunday. “I’m feeling good,” he said. “We’ll take it day-to-day and we’re going to be ready for Sunday.”

If the safety can’t go on Sunday, Houston fans shouldn’t worry too much. Danieal Manning, an 8-year veteran out of Abilene Christian, will most likely step into Swearinger’s place. Manning has played well thus far, earning a grade of +1.1 and shouldn’t miss a beat stepping in if that turns out to be what’s required Sunday.