Quarterback David Carr's shoulder has healed enough to allow him to start against the Titans Sunday.

''Any time your starter has been out and he comes back, guys are excited about having him back,'' Texans Coach Dom Capers said. ''He's significantly better. He threw the ball with the kind of zip we've grown accustomed to seeing. I think his situation is much different than the last couple of weeks.''

Carr, who has been dealing with injuries since early November, said he has not yet returned to 100 percent, but he's ready to play.

''I don't have any apprehension,'' Carr told the Houston Chronicle. ''There probably would have been some apprehension two weeks ago if I was out there playing. It feels good enough now that I really don't notice it too much. I'm fired up, man. I feel like the season is starting all over again for me.''