The Texans have survived training camp so far but not without a few minor injury and ailment scares.

It started when WR Andre Johnson went out with a minor groin injury. Left tackle Duane Brown missed a couple practices with a lower leg bruise. Defensive end J.J. Watt is still out with a dislocated elbow, but he’s expected back for the regular season. Then, this week, LB Brian Cushing was in the hospital Tuesday and Wednesday with a virus.

After Johnson, QB Matt Schaub, and former Texan DE Mario Williams missed significant time with injuries last year, Houston fans probably just want to see the team get through the preseason healthy.

There are still several position battles worth keeping an eye on as the Texans begin their preseason schedule at Carolina on Saturday.

Questions to be answered in preseason:

Who will step up alongside Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter at wide receiver?

The Texans have three players competing for the third wide receiver spot who have never caught a pass in the NFL. Fourth round draft pick Keshawn Martin has impressed coach Gary Kubiak with his approach, and he has been getting some first team reps in training camp. Third round pick DeVier Posey has had to knock off some rust because he was suspended for the majority of his senior season at Ohio State, but Posey has had some nice moments in camp. Second year player Lestar Jean was probably the favorite to win the job before camp started. All three received extra reps when Johnson went down last week, and it will be interesting to see who out of this group steps up and produces in the preseason.

How will the right side of the offensive line hold up?

Rashad Butler and Antoine Caldwell will get the start at right tackle and right guard, respectively. However, both have been pushed in training camp. Butler has been battling with second year tackle Derek Newton. When Brown went out with a lower leg bruise, Butler slid over to the left side and Newton moved in at right tackle. Rookie guard Brandon Brooks has shown flashes with his massive frame and good feet. Kubiak said if he had to make a call right now on who would start along the offensive line, it’d be a difficult choice.

Who will win the kicking battle?

Rookie Randy Bullock and veteran Shayne Graham will compete throughout the preseason at kicker. Kubiak said he hopes to split the opportunities right down the middle. Bullock is a rookie out of Texas A&M who was drafted by the Texans in the fifth round of the draft. He received the Lou Groza Award last year which is given to the best college football kicker. Graham, meanwhile, is an 11-year veteran who is the fourth most accurate kicker in NFL history (85.9%).

Follow Texans blogger Sean Bielawski on Twitter, @CBSSportsNFLHOU.