The Houston Texans had their worst fears realized on Tuesday, as the team found out that linebacker Brian Cushing suffered a season ending injury against the New York Jets.
The team confirmed the news that Cushing tore a left knee ligament and will have surgery in a few weeks to repair the damage.
"A big blow for our team," Kubiak said. "We have to have guys pick it up around him and we've got to find a way to move forward. We're all just disappointed for him. It's a tough day for him."
Cushing was the leading tackler for the team and is the "quarterback" on defense, calling out formations and assignments.
The linebacker suffered the injury in Houston's 23-17 victory over the Jets on Monday night after colliding with an offensive lineman. New York guard Matt Slauson went low on a block towards Cushing, sending him to the ground in pain.
Although he was able to walk off the field, the injury will keep him out of action for the rest of this season.
"I do know that there are crises in this league, and every team has them," Kubiak said. "We've had our share here the last couple of years, and boy, if this is the first one (this year), it's a big one."
Houston is 5-0 and one of the big reasons for their early success is due to the defense and to the play of Cushing. He is one of the top linebackers in the league and previously won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2009.
In 2011 Cushing played in all 16 games, collecting 114 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions.
"Those guys really look to him," Kubiak said. "He's an emotional leader, the way he plays, the way he works, the way he practices. Cush loves it all. That's the thing about him. Guys feed off of that."
Tim Dobbins entered the game for Cushing and will take his place on defense as the team moves forward.
"He's a veteran player, he's played with Wade before," Kubiak said. "It's a lot to ask, but that's why he's here. It's an opportunity for him as a player and we'll have to rally around him and like I said, make up for Cush's loss as a group."
The defense continued to dominate on Monday night, even without Cushing. J.J. Watt harassed quarterback Mark Sanchez and the Jets offensive line, knocking down numerous passes before they even had a chance to be caught.
"I think there was some added incentive to finish that thing up for Cush," Kubiak said.
The Jets couldn't get much done against the Texans on Monday, but they did have success on special teams. Joe McKnight returned a kickoff 100-yards for a touchdown and the Jets were also effective in the punting game.
"I'm very concerned special-teams wise," Kubiak said. "We didn't get a ball past the 20 (on kickoff returns) last night, and we've given up two touchdowns. We're near the bottom of the league in covering kicks. We've got to address it. It's going to cost us, at some point. We've been fortunate, but it's not good enough right now."
