The Houston Texans will be without linebacker Henry To'oTo'o for more than the four-game minimum tied to injured reserve after placing him on the list ahead of Week 2. To'oTo'o suffered an apparent shoulder injury against the Buffalo Bills, leaving late in the fourth quarter and later appearing with a splint. He is projected to miss a few months.
Coach DeMeco Ryans had said To'oTo'o could miss significant time and had not ruled out injured reserve. The move became official Tuesday after Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790 reported Monday night that it was expected. Jake Hansen is expected to start beside Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
Hansen replaced To'oTo'o during the opener, playing seven defensive snaps, and has four starts and 391 defensive snaps in his first five NFL seasons.
Wade Woodaz could take the No. 3 linebacker role and play in the base defense. He had 22 special teams snaps in the opener but none on defense, and he is wearing a protective brace after preseason thumb surgery. Seventh-round pick Aidan Fisher could be available after being inactive as a healthy scratch, while Jamal Hill could be elevated from the practice squad.
Houston also expects E.J. Speed to miss the 2026 season with a severe quadriceps tear from a May workout, and Jake Hummel is week-to-week with a groin injury. The report was published by sports.yahoo.com.
