Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, who played in all 17 games last season, is now on injured reserve and is going to be out at least the next four weeks.
He will be eligible to return for the Houston Texans’ game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
As leader of Houston’s defense, defensive end Will Anderson praised the play of his former Alabama teammate and mentioned that losing To’oTo’o is a big loss not only for the energy he brings, but also because of his playing style.
“That's a big loss for us. I think he's a guy that brings a lot of energy, flies around, [hits] people, gets a lot of guys going on the team, gets a lot of guys going on the defense,” Anderson said. “We're going to most definitely miss his presence. But I think Jake [Hansen]
is going to step in and do a fantastic job for us. He's been able to go. He's played a lot of ball for us. He brings energy. He plays the right way. He knows our brand of ball and we're all going to go out there and swarm with him and be behind him and he's going to get the job done."
Houston still has linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who was named to his first Pro Bowl last season. However, because head coach DeMeco Ryans’ defensive scheme relies on having two elite linebackers, they will also need to heavily rely on Hansen, who is in his fifth NFL season.
He has spent his entire career with the Texans, but is mostly known for his role on special teams. If he starts next week against the Cincinnati Bengals, it will be only his fifth career start, as he has not started a game since 2024.
The Texans also have a pair of rookie linebackers - Wade Woodaz who they drafted in the fourth round and Aiden Fisher who they drafted in the seventh round. Woodaz is dealing with a thumb injury, but Fisher is fully healthy and had a strong training camp.
Both backers could get some regular-season action while To’o To’o is out.
Kickoff is scheduled for Noon. The game will be televised on CBS.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans Will Anderson reacts to LB Henry To'oTo'o being placed on IR
