The Houston Texans are close to a contract restructuring with left offensive tackle Tony Boselli, one that will dramatically reduce his salary cap number for 2003, and likely buy the five-time Pro Bowler more time in his attempt to rehabilitate from shoulder injuries.

"My sense is that something will happen next week," agent Jack Mills said. "It would be a situation where we would put more money into incentives. (Tony) is out of town right now but, when he's back, it should get done."

Texans sources also indicated a refashioned deal for '03 is nearly complete. A reworked deal will provide the Texans cap relief but, just as important, afford Boselli time to rehabilitate without the threat of being released for financial reasons.

Boselli, 30, is scheduled to earn a $4.5 million base salary for 2003. He is due a $2 million roster bonus on March 1. Mills said his client will receive the roster bonus but, in the most likely scenario, the base salary will be cut and the difference applied to incentives.

Depending on how far Boselli's 2003 base salary is reduced, the maneuver could save the Texans more than $3 million in cap space. The current salary cap charge for Boselli this year, $9.549 million, is prohibitive under any circumstances but especially difficult given the uncertainty about his career.

The 2004 portion of the contract, which calls for a $4 million base salary and a $1 million roster bonus next spring, probably will not be affected.

One of the game's most celebrated offensive linemen when healthy, Boselli has suffered through shoulder injuries, and has appeared in just three games over the past two seasons. He was able to practice only a handful of time last season, never appeared in a game for the Texans, and for the second year in a row finished the campaign on injured reserve.

Houston made Boselli its first pick in the expansion draft of veteran players. After diligent analysis of Boselli's shoulder problems, the Houston medical staff concluded he would be able to return to the game.

There are serious doubts now, however, that he will ever play again. Texans officials are said to be strongly considering using their first-round choice in the 2003 to select an offensive tackle.

Boselli underwent surgery on his right shoulder in October of 2001 and then on his left shoulder a month later. The left shoulder required two subsequent surgeries in the ensuing nine months.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.