Texans wide receiver to have surgery

HOUSTON, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Houston Texans wide receiver Harry Williams will undergo surgery Sunday to repair a fractured vertebra suffered in Friday's pre-season game against Dallas.

Williams was carted off the field on a stretcher following a blow to the head early in the first quarter. The injury occurred on the ensuing kickoff after Houston capped the opening drive with a 44-yard field goal by Kris Brown.

Williams was attempting to tackle Dallas' Isaiah Stanback when he collided with teammate Nick Ferguson.

Williams lay face-down on the field and medical personnel immediately called for a stretcher. The game was delayed nearly 10 minutes while they tended to Williams.

Later, he was diagnosed with a fracture of the C3 vertebra.