The Houston Texans have placed linebacker Henry To’oTo’o on injured reserve after he sustained a shoulder injury late in the fourth quarter of the team’s Week 1 game against the Buffalo Bills. He was seen wearing a splint after leaving the game and is expected to miss several months, according to the report published by sports.yahoo.com.
To’oTo’o’s absence comes as Houston deals with several injuries at linebacker. E.J. Speed is expected to miss the 2026 season because of a quadriceps tear suffered during a May workout, while Jake Hummel is considered week-to-week after injuring his groin in Week 1. Coach DeMeco Ryans had previously said To’oTo’o would miss significant time and had not ruled out an injured-reserve move.
Jake Hansen is expected to start alongside Azeez Al-Shaair. Hansen replaced To’oTo’o for the rest of the opener and played seven defensive snaps. He has made four starts and recorded 391 defensive snaps during his first five NFL seasons.
Wade Woodaz could receive a larger defensive role as the third linebacker. He did not play a defensive snap in Week 1 but took part in 22 special-teams snaps. Woodaz is also dealing with a surgically repaired thumb injury and is wearing a protective brace.
