Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans isn't used to hearing voices in his helmet. But that's about to change.

When Ryans takes the field next fall, he will be the Texans' player designated to wear the new defensive transmitter, which was approved by the league's head coaches this offseason. The device will be similar to the one worn by quarterbacks. Until the 2008 season, defensive players have relied solely on hand signals.

"I think it's very good," coach Gary Kubiak said. "It's great to be able to talk to a quarterback during the game. You've got somebody out there who's your quarterback of your defense, so why shouldn't you be able to talk to him, also? I think it's a good thing.

"It's going to eliminate a lot of signals and stuff like that, which people worry about from various standpoints, but I think defensive players and coaches have work to do because that's not just an easy thing to get used to. It takes time. We will have to practice with DeMeco wearing that thing."

The new rule states that only one defensive player can wear the transmitter, which is why Ryans is the obvious candidate. He is a three-down linebacker, who rarely leaves the field.

In case there is a situation when Ryans is not on the field, there will be one other helmet fitted with the transmitter so that another player can wear it. Only one of those helmets can be on the field at a time.

Just like with quarterbacks, the transmitter will work until there are 15 seconds left on the play clock. Then, it will be shut off.

Ryans is looking forward to using the new technology.

"It'll be unique, something different," Ryans said. "I think we're now all on the same playing field with the offense, so they don't have the advantage on us anymore.

"I think we've managed it well with the signal calls, but it helps us where offenses don't have the chance to steal your signals. (Defensive coordinator) Richard (Smith) could just talk directly to me, and I could just relay it to the defense. I think that'll speed the process up a lot quicker, getting calls in so we're turned around and ready, waiting on the offense, instead of waiting on the calls or we're getting mixed signals or you can't see the signals. It's going to be a lot easier for us."

Kubiak has spent years working with quarterbacks and talking to them through the transmitter. Because of that, he has some concerns about how well it will work for defensive players. He plans to make sure Ryans enters each game knowing all of the signals as well as he used to.

They will also practice using the device a number of times before the season starts.

"You've got to have a backup system (signals)," Kubiak said. "I know for a quarterback, when they get knocked around, sometimes it'll get moved in their helmet and go out for a play or two. My biggest question is to see a guy like DeMeco who's thumping every down, how the helmet's going to hold up, the system's going to hold up. So those are things we'll have to work with."

Ryans' teammates don't expect the new use of technology to faze Ryans, who is entering his third season as a starter. Veteran defensive end N.D. Kalu doesn't even expect any of the defensive players will notice the change on the field.

"DeMeco, he is so smart," Kalu said. "I don't think we're going to be able to tell a difference. I think maybe with other linebackers across the league it might help, as far as the coaches telling them exactly what to tell the players. But I don't think the defensive line and the safeties who listen to the middle linebacker are going to see much of a difference, because one thing about DeMeco, he's obviously a great physical talent, but he's just so far ahead of the game mentally."

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