The Houston Texans have placed linebacker Henry To’oTo’o on injured reserve, a move that is expected to sideline him for a few months. He injured his shoulder against the Buffalo Bills, left near the end of the fourth quarter and was later seen with a splint. The absence is expected to last beyond injured reserve’s four-game minimum.
Coach DeMeco Ryans had said To’oTo’o would miss significant time. The designation was made official Tuesday, following a Monday night report from Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790 that the move was anticipated.
Jake Hansen is in line to start beside Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Hansen played seven defensive snaps after taking over in the opener, and he has four starts and 391 defensive snaps across his first five NFL seasons. Wade Woodaz could become the third linebacker and see work in the base defense after playing 22 special teams snaps in the opener.
He did not play on defense and is wearing a protective brace while recovering from thumb surgery after a preseason injury.
Seventh-round pick Aidan Fisher could be available for Week 2 after being inactive as a healthy scratch in the opener. Jamal Hill could be moved from the practice squad to the active roster. The Texans also expect E.J.