One game into the new season and the Houston Texans are down a key piece to their defense.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday, following Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills, that linebacker Henry To’oTo’o suffered a shoulder injury and is expected “to miss some time" in the coming weeks.
To’oTo’o, who signed a two-year contract extension worth $16 million this offseason, left with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. As of now, Ryans has decided whether To’oTo’o will be placed on injured reserve for the majority of the season.
This is big for the Texans' defense after giving up over 400 yards in a 36-31 loss at home to begin the season. The defense also has been hindered by injuries in the front seven at the start of the year,
losing names like Solomon Byrd and Dylan Horton for a significant amount of time, along with rookie Kayden McDonald, who is expected to miss at least the next three games.
#Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o will be out for some time, per coach DeMeco Ryans. It's a shoulder injury and he was in a sling after the game.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 14, 2026
But if To'oTo'o is placed on the injured reserve, this will be the fourth key contributor to miss all of September while recovering from injury. McDonald, receiver Tank Dell and offensive lineman Braden Smith all were placed on the IR to begin the season and can't be cleared at least until Oct. 4.
The NFL allows teams to bring back up to eight players, which could also include names like linebacker E.J. Speed and defensive back M.J. Stewart, who remain on the PUP list for the start of the yea.
Depending on how long he’s out, the Texans will have a critical call to make. The good news is that linebacker Jamal Hill, who was signed to the practice squad after his release, could be elevated to the active roster as To'oTo'o 's replacement for gamedays.
As for the starting role, Houston has options opposite Pro Bowler Azeez Al-Shaair. Rookie Wade Woodaz, who had thumb surgery late in training camp, got a pick-six in the preseason and could end up being a valued piece. The same goes for Aiden Fisher, though he was a healthy scratch on gameday despite making the active roster.
Veteran special teams linebacker Jake Hansen recently returned from a leg injury and could fill the void, as could newcomer Jake Hummel. The former Ravens star suffered a groin injury during a punt return and will be “day-to-day" in his recovery entering Week 2.
To'oTo'o recorded two tackles on Sunday.
The Texans return to Reliant Stadium for a matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Noon.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans receive unsettling injury update on LB Henry To'oTo'o after Bills loss
