Professor

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/4998470.html

When the Texans hit the field on Friday for their first practice, left tackle Charles Spencer will not be allowed to join his teammates.

The Texans are placing Spencer on the Physically Unable to Perform list, meaning he will miss at least the first six games of the season.

The announcement deals a blow to the team's plans at offensive line. The Texans now enter camp with Ephraim Salaam as their starter at left tackle. Free agent Jordan Black will compete with Salaam for the starting job.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak said a recent arthroscopic procedure on Spencer's knee, which he injured in Week 2 of last season, led to the decision. Team doctors told Spencer he was healing well but needed more time for rehabilitation.

Kubiak said the decision should help Spencer get back on the field this year. While players can come off the PUP list during training camp, the Texans aren't looking at that as a possibility for Spencer. Players who are on the PUP list by the final roster cutdown on Sept. 1 must stay on the list for at least six weeks of the regular season.

The Texans had a similar situation with former linebacker Kailee Wong last year. Wong missed the first six games but played in the final 10.

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