NFL

Andre Johnson denied an ESPN The Magazine report that he plans to force a trade if the Texans don’t make the playoffs. Johnson’s uncle and agent, Andre Melton, made the claims. “That didn’t come from me. … I make my own decisions, and I plan on being here until I retire,” Johnson said. Johnson signed an eight-year, $60 million contract in March of 2007 and it’s very unlikely the Houston Texans would trade their top WR unless things got real ugly. The Texans are at 5-4 right now but still have a solid shot at making the postseason for the first time in franchise history.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: The Giants announced late Friday that MLB Antonio Pierce will be out indefinitely after a bulging disc was discovered in Pierce’s neck. Pierce was “shocked” by the news. He practiced on Friday, but experienced discomfort afterwards and was hospitalized for tests. An MRI revealed the injury, which may threaten Pierce’s season. His loss is a blow to a New York Giants run defense that has underachieved all year. Chase Blackburn will likely take over in the middle, with Michael Boley now healthy at weak-side linebacker. Look for the Giants to select a MLB in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft.

Houston: Texans RB Steve Slaton will start for the Texans against the Titans on Monday night. What ever happened to Slaton having to earn the job back? Apparently, Head Coach Gary Kubiak had a change of heart? Expect backup RBs Chris Brown and Ryan Moats to take some carries away from Slaton, perhaps short yardage and redzone.

New Orleans: Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) and Sedrick Ellis (MCL sprain) have been downgraded to “out” and will not travel with the team to Tampa. The New Orleans Saints want to avoid a setback with Bush’s oft-surgically repaired knee and have him read for the playoffs.

Oakland: Head Coach Tom Cable revealed Friday that Michael Bush will be the Raiders’ starting tailback in Week 11 against Cincinnati. Bush started Week 10 and had 119 yards on 14 carries against the Chiefs, but now faces the Bengals’ No. 2 rush defense. This is a situation to avoid in fantasy leagues. Justin Fargas got the goal-line carries last Sunday and Darren McFadden’s role figures to grow on a weekly basis as he continues to recover from in-season knee surgery.

Buffalo: The Bills will not make any hires until after the season, according to WIVB in Buffalo. The TV station stands by their earlier report that Jon Gruden was the top choice to replace Dick Jauron, but now admits there was no face-to-face meeting. The Buffalo Bills will hold informal talks during the rest of the 2009 campaign, but interim coach Perry Fewell will finish the season as the teams head coach.