The Houston Texans placed linebacker Henry To'oTo'o on injured reserve before Week 2 after he suffered an apparent shoulder injury against the Buffalo Bills. To'oTo'o left late in the fourth quarter and was later seen wearing a splint. He is projected to miss a few months, beyond injured reserve's four-game minimum.
Jake Hansen is expected to start alongside Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Hansen took over after To'oTo'o's injury and played seven defensive snaps in the opener. He has made four starts and played 391 defensive snaps across his first five NFL seasons.
Wade Woodaz could become the No. 3 linebacker and see work in the base defense. He had 22 special teams snaps in the opener but no defensive snaps. Woodaz is also wearing a protective brace while recovering from a preseason thumb injury that required surgery.
Seventh-round pick Aidan Fisher could be available for Week 2 after being inactive as a healthy scratch, and Jamal Hill could be elevated from the practice squad.
The Texans also expect E.J. Speed to miss the 2026 season after a severe quadriceps tear in May. Jake Hummel is week-to-week with a groin injury suffered against Buffalo.
