Jake Hansen is expected to start at linebacker for Houston alongside Pro Bowl selection Azeez Al-Shaair after Henry To'oTo'o was placed on injured reserve before Week 2. Hansen replaced To'oTo'o during the opener and played seven defensive snaps. He has four starts and 391 defensive snaps across his first five NFL seasons.
To'oTo'o suffered an apparent shoulder injury against Buffalo, leaving late in the fourth quarter and later wearing a splint. Coach DeMeco Ryans said the linebacker would miss significant time. The Texans confirmed the IR placement Tuesday, after Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790 reported Monday night that the move was expected.
To'oTo'o is projected to be out for a few months, beyond the four-game IR minimum.
Wade Woodaz could become the No. 3 linebacker and play in the base defense. He had 22 special teams snaps in the opener but no defensive snaps, and he 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 Texans are also without E.J. Speed, expected to miss the 2026 season with a severe quadriceps tear, and Jake Hummel, who is week-to-week with a groin injury.
