Brian Cushing is one of four rookie linebackers out of USC playing in the pros this year. Cushing has been making a solid case for defensive rookie of the year and he stepped up big as he has all season with another great performance in a game the Texans had to win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Cushing recorded a sack and an interception to help the Texans record a key win for the franchise looking to make their first trip to the postseason ever.

Honorable mentions go out to Mohamed Massaquoi of Cleveland who grabbed three catches for 61 yards and a touchdown and Austin Collie of Indianapolis who continues to put up solid numbers. Who will be the “Rookie of the Week” for week 17? Find out on Tuesday, January 5th. Enter codes from the back of 2009 Upper Deck NFL rookie cards of the player you think will have the best performance. Check back on Tuesday, January 5th to see if the players you entered were chosen as Upper Deck's "Rookie of the Week"!