Aqib Talib injury update: Patriots CB 'should' be ready vs. 49ers

New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib will likely be able to play against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday despite injuring his hip Monday night, Tom E. Curran of CSN New England writes. Talib left the game against the Houston Texans after hitting the ground hard while covering star wide receiver Andre Johnson.

Talib needed help from trainers to leave the field after suffering the injury just after the two-minute warning in the first half, though the team initially listed his possible return to the game as "questionble." He stayed in uniform on the sideline for the remainder of the Patriots' 42-14 win over Houston, but ultimately never returned to the field.

The former Buccaneer has emerged as one of New England's key defensive players since being acquired from Tampa Bay on Nov. 2. He was suspended earlier this season after testing positive for Adderall, but the talented cornerback has rounded into shape with New England, recording 15 tackles, two defended passes and a pick-six in four games.