Seriously ... Salaam ... who's listed as Duane Brown's backup at left tackle ....had some discomfort under his kneecap yesterday and doctors scoped it immediately. That's according to Texans head coach Gary Kubiak. Kubiak says,"It's scary for us .. from the standpoint of the tackle position ... but we expect him back for the start of the season.

As for his buddy Pitts? Chester says,"In Denver one time he(Salaam) got his knee scoped the day after a game and played that next game."

Kubiak says Rashad Butler and Brandon Frye will back up that position ...but first round pick Brown will play much of the time at that spot. Also today ... the Texans released running back Mike Bell and signed another tackle Torrin Tucker.

As for the "430 year old" Salaam .... he's expected to be back at Reliant Stadium this afternoon and ready to play in 3 to 4 weeks.