Brian Cushing has revealed that he hopes to start running early next year as he continues to recover from a knee ligament tear and fractured leg.

The Houston Texans linebacker underwent season-ending surgery to repair his LCL last month, and began walking without crutches this week.

The 26-year-old told the team's website: "I just started weight-bearing so that was a big step. Really, anywhere between four and six weeks, Dr [James] Andrews wanted me to start walking, getting a good feel about where I am right now and I think we'll see really good, positive results when we get that x-ray. In two weeks I'll go visit him.

"I think OTAs will be no problem. I would hope to be a lot earlier too. I am hoping that January, February, I think I've said before, is really the goal right now, to be 100% running, no restrictions, I think if anything, it just that knee brace just might be my best friend for the rest of my career and that's just how it's going to be.

"I'm just looking at it like two freakish injuries these past two years, honestly, and I'm hoping that's it. If I can have another 10, 12 whatever years then I'll get all the injuries out of the way now and that's how it is. Play clean, healthy football from here on out."

The Texans face the New England Patriots this weekend.