Houston's linebacker lineup is changing before Week 2 after Henry To'oTo'o was placed on injured reserve. To'oTo'o sustained an apparent shoulder injury against the Buffalo Bills, leaving the game late in the fourth quarter and later appearing with a splint. Coach DeMeco Ryans said the injury would keep him out for significant time, and he is projected to miss a few months.
The Texans finalized the IR move Tuesday, after Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790 reported Monday night that it was expected. Jake Hansen is in line to start alongside Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Hansen replaced To'oTo'o during the opener, playing seven defensive snaps, and has four starts with 391 defensive snaps across his first five NFL seasons.
Wade Woodaz may take the third linebacker spot and play in the base defense. He had 22 special teams snaps in the opener but no defensive snaps, and continues to wear a protective brace after preseason thumb surgery.
Seventh-round pick Aidan Fisher may be available for Week 2 after being held out of the opener for health reasons, while Jamal Hill could be promoted from the practice squad. E.J. Speed is expected 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 suffered in the third quarter against Buffalo.
The report was published by sports.yahoo.com.
