The Houston Texans have placed linebacker Henry To'oTo'o on injured reserve ahead of Week 2, removing a key run defender from the lineup for an expected absence of a few months. The move was made official Tuesday after Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790 reported Monday night that it was expected. sports.yahoo.com reported the development.
To'oTo'o left the Texans' Week 1 game against the Buffalo Bills late in the fourth quarter with an apparent shoulder injury and was later seen wearing a splint. Coach DeMeco Ryans said To'oTo'o would miss significant time. His expected absence is longer than the minimum four games required for an injured-reserve placement.
The injury adds to Houston's linebacker issues. E.J. Speed is expected to miss the 2026 season after suffering a serious quadriceps tear during a May workout. Jake Hummel sustained a groin injury in the third quarter against Buffalo and is considered week-to-week.
Jake Hansen is expected to replace To'oTo'o as a starter next to Azeez Al-Shaair. Hansen played seven defensive snaps after To'oTo'o left the opener and has previously made four NFL starts, along with recording 391 defensive snaps during his first five seasons.
Wade Woodaz could move into the No. 3 linebacker role and see action in the Texans' base defense. He did not play defensively in Week 1 but took part in 22 special-teams snaps. Woodaz is also managing a thumb injury from the preseason that required surgery, and he is wearing a protective brace.
