NFL

The Texans have signed head coach Gary Kubiak to a new three-year contract extension that runs through 2012. Kubiak actually turned down a fourth year because he wanted to be “on the same path” as his assistants, whose contracts expire in 2012. Though he’s yet to turn the Texans into a serious contender, Kubiak (31-33 in four years) has them headed in the right direction for the first time in franchise history. He’s rewarded for being in Wild Card contention until the final day of the season and the team seems likely to finally break through in 2010.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Houston: Texans coach Gary Kubiak revealed in an interview with The Score 1510 in Denver that Steve Slaton underwent surgery to repair nerve damage in his neck in mid-January. Kubiak believes the nerve issue may have been at the root of Slaton’s fumbling problems last season. Beat writer John McClain has reported that the injury is not career-threatening and Slaton is expected to eventually get back to 100 percent. The surgery, however, makes it even less likely that he’ll be counted on for the featured back role in 2010. The Houston Texans are expected to draft a running back in this years draft.

Cincinnati: Bengals SLB Rey Maualuga pleaded guilty to a drunk driving charge Tuesday. Maualuga hit two parked cars and a parking meter early Friday morning before he was arrested. He was sentenced to seven days in jail, fined $350 and had his driver’s license suspended for 90-days. He’s now on two years probation. Maualuga apologized for the incident and said he “will learn from this and it won’t happen again.” Per league policy, he’s a candidate for a short suspension in 2010.

New York: After receiving 2-3 opinions, Mark Sanchez has opted to have surgery on his left knee. The surgery will involve stabilization of the patella tendon that Sanchez injured at USC. He’ll have the operation in 2-3 weeks. The procedure is said to be arthroscopic, meaning Sanchez should be 100% no longer than two months after it. He’ll miss some spring workouts, but won’t be limited in training camp.

New England: Wes Welker underwent reconstructive surgery to repair the ACL in his left knee Tuesday, as expected. Welker had to wait until the torn MCL was healed before he went under the knife. The surgery was 30 days from the original injury. Welker is aiming for a Week 1 return, which is highly optimistic. It’s doubtful that he’ll be close to 100 percent until mid-season.

Arizona: Arizona Cardinals GM Rod Graves has seconded coach Ken Whisenhunt’s confidence in Matt Leinart as the team’s starting quarterback. “I think he’s going to answer a lot of questions,” said Graves. While both men insist they’re “excited” about Leinart taking over, Kurt Warner revealed Tuesday that he was offered the opportunity to skip offseason practices and part of training camp as an enticement to return for one more season.