Houston's Johnson returns for finale

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

HOUSTON -- Houston star receiver Andre Johnson will play against Tennessee on Sunday after missing the last three games because of a strained left hamstring.

Coach Gary Kubiak said Johnson will be on a play count, but wasn't sure how many. Johnson has played only six games this season after missing six straight with a right hamstring injury that required surgery.

"It was all depending on how the week went and everything went fine this past week, so I'll be able to go out and play a little bit on Sunday," Johnson said.

Kubiak says he wants Johnson to play so he'll be ready to contribute for Houston next weekend in its first playoff game. Johnson also believes getting some work in this week is important.

"I just want to get back in the flow of playing a game," he said. "It's been a while since I've played. I just want to get back to the game feeling. I think it will show fans that I will be ready to play for the playoffs. So it will give them something to be excited about."

Johnson is disappointed that he hasn't been able to play much this season, but after enduring years of losing seasons in Houston, the team's success this year has kept his attitude positive.

"It's been a long season with a lot of frustrating times, but there's still light at the end of the tunnel," Johnson said.

The AFC South champions have lost two straight heading into Sunday's game after reeling off seven consecutive wins. While the outcome can't change their playoff position, they hope to build momentum for the post-season.

"We want to go out and win this game and get back to playing football the way we had when we were on our winning streak," Johnson said. "We need to come out and eliminate those mistakes that we've been having for the past couple of weeks."

Johnson has finished with more than 1,200 yards receiving the each of the past three seasons, including a career-high 1,575 in 2008. He has 31 receptions for 471 yards and two touchdowns this season while missing the most games in his career.