Houston's Robinson returns to starting lineup

HOUSTON - Houston Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson has played five games since returning from injury, but he's expected to get his first start of the season Sunday at Cleveland.

Robinson sat out more than a year recovering from serious knee and hamstring injuries. Since his return, he's slowly built up his playing time and coach Gary Kubiak said Friday he's ready to move back into his job at right cornerback.

He's been solid since his return and has 18 tackles and an interception. Robinson, who is in the last year of his contract, is hoping to impress in the last six games.

"(It's a) critical time in my career," he said. "So, this is where I make my money at - these next six games. I have to go out there and I have to play football. I have to show the world that my knee is correct. So I can get what I think I deserve."

Robinson said going back to his regular position after playing mostly in the nickel defensive package this year is a big step.

"People want to see me line up outside and they want to see me take away receivers the way that I've done in the past," Robinson said. "I'm excited about it. I've played a little bit outside, but now here's my chance to show everybody, to show the Texans that I'm still that number one corner."

Kubiak said he's looking forward to seeing Robinson back in a full-time role.

"He's worked extremely hard to get back," Kubiak said. "He's been one of the better corners in this league when he was healthy, and I want to see him get back to that spot."

Robinson, who will start opposite Jacques Reeves on Sunday, said he's not quite 100 percent healthy, but he's getting close.

"I still feel a little funny in my knee sometimes," he said. "I still wake up with soreness ... (but) I've been watching a lot of film of the games I played this year and a lot of the games I played before my injury and you really can't tell the difference in the player. But I feel a difference when I'm out there. If I can just get that to go away ... I'll be fine."

 MODEL BEHAVIOR:

 Twelve Texans traded in their pads for custom-made suits earlier this week for a fashion show at Saks Fifth Avenue to benefit charity.

Many of the players really got into their turns on the catwalk, dancing, strutting and vamping for the crowd. Punt returner Jacoby Jones, who wore a pinstriped suit with a beautiful lavender shirt and tie, put on perhaps the biggest show.

He danced, twirled and posed during his turn on the runway, eliciting screams and giggles from the mostly female crowd.

Linebacker Zac Diles, who broke his leg earlier this month, didn't want to ruin the look of his elegant suit with crutches. So he sat in the front row near the runway, hobbled to his feet and stood gingerly on one leg while his ensemble was described.

Rookie Steve Slaton, the only player who modeled formal wear, sat by Diles to keep him company. He donned aviator sunglasses with his tuxedo and waved to his 23-month-old son Julian while making his way down the runway.

Receivers David Anderson and Andre' Davis, offensive linemen Duane Brown and Eric Winston, quarterback Sage Rosenfels, safety Brandon Harrison, fullback Vonta Leach, tight end Owen Daniels and defensive end Anthony Weaver also participated in the show.

 CAMPAIGN SEASON?

 The election has been over for more than two weeks, but Andre Johnson was still campaigning this week.

Johnson was wearing a T-shirt that read "Vote for Owen" to drum up support for Daniels for the Pro Bowl.

Daniels is second among AFC tight ends in receptions and yards with 45 catches for 555 yards.

"I think Owen deserves it. I think he's having a great season and I think it's something he's worked hard for," said Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowler.

Johnson has had a button with the slogan attached to his backpack since last week, but it took some work to get the shirt.

"I had been begging for one and I finally got it," Johnson said.

 QUOTABLE:

 Robinson on why the Texans, who haven't won away from Houston in more than a year, have been so bad on the road: "I have no idea. I really can't give you an answer on that because I don't know. You figure a football field is a football field. You should be able to play no matter where you go. You shouldn't have to worry about the fans as long as they're staying in the stands. We're just not playing good on the road. There's a lot of things that we've got to get corrected and a lot of things that we've got to do better and playing on the road is one of those things that we have to do better."