Rash of injuries puts Jets in deeper hole vs. Texans

All week, few were giving the New York Jets much of a chance against the Houston Texans on Monday night.

Now that the final injury report is out, there are surely even fewer.

The Jets listed four key players as doubtful: wide receiver Stephen Hill (hamstring), tight end Dustin Keller (hamstring) fullback John Conner (hamstring) and nose tackle Sione Pouha (back).

Hill's likely absence, along with the loss of Santonio Holmes to a season-ending foot injury last week, means the Jets will likely send Jeremy Kerley and Chaz Schilens onto the field as their starting receivers. Behind them, it's Clyde Gates and Jason Hill, who was signed on Wednesday. Kerley, Schilens and Gates have combined for just 17 receptions so far this season.

Keller likely will miss his fourth straight game, meaning Jeff Cumberland (11 catches this season) will continue to start in his place. Third-string tight end Konrad Reuland will step in for Conner at fullback.

And the injury news could potentially get worse on Monday because the following players are listed as questionable: running back Joe McKnight (illness), linebacker Bart Scott (toe), safety Eric Smith (hip, knee), linebacker Bryan Thomas (hamstring) and cornerback Aaron Berry (ribs).

Meanwhile, the undefeated Texans are about as healthy as they can be at this point. Running back Ben Tate (questionable with a toe injury) is the only starter or key contributor even in danger of missing the game.