The Houston Texans placed linebacker Henry To'oTo'o on injured reserve before Week 2, a designation that carries a minimum four-game absence but is expected to keep him out for a few months. To'oTo'o was hurt against the Buffalo Bills, leaving the game near its conclusion with an apparent shoulder issue. He was later observed with a splint.
Coach DeMeco Ryans had said significant missed time was possible and had not ruled out injured reserve. The Texans made the placement official Tuesday, following a Monday night report from Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790. Jake Hansen is expected to start next to Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
Hansen replaced To'oTo'o for the remainder of the opener, playing seven defensive snaps, and has four starts and 391 defensive snaps across his first five NFL seasons.
Wade Woodaz could take the third linebacker role and play in the base defense. He had 22 special teams snaps but no defensive snaps in the opener and is wearing a protective brace after preseason thumb surgery. Seventh-round pick Aidan Fisher could be available for Week 2 after being inactive as a healthy scratch, while Jamal Hill could be promoted from the practice squad.
The linebacker group also is without E.J. Speed, who is expected to miss the 2026 season after a severe quadriceps tear in a May workout, and Jake Hummel, who is week-to-week with a groin injury suffered against Buffalo.