Texans veteran linebacker Brian Cushing started Sunday and was effective at an unfamiliar position.
Although Cushing recorded five tackles and a half-sack and was a team captain in his first game back after serving a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy, he didn't get everything he wanted.
The Texans lost 26-16 to the San Francisco 49ers and fell to 4-9 overall with six losses in their last seven games.
"It's frustrating when you can't get that done, but, at the same time, it's bittersweet and just being out there is a pretty good feeling," Cushing said.