The Texans moved linebacker Henry To'oTo'o to injured reserve before Week 2 after he suffered an apparent shoulder injury against the Buffalo Bills. He exited near the end of the fourth quarter and was subsequently seen with a splint.
Coach DeMeco Ryans said the absence would be significant, and the team made the transaction official Tuesday after Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790 reported Monday night that it was expected. To'oTo'o is projected to miss a few months, beyond injured reserve's four-game minimum.
Jake Hansen is in line to start beside Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Hansen filled in for the remainder of the opener, appearing on seven defensive plays. Across his first five NFL seasons, he has started four games and logged 391 defensive snaps.
Wade Woodaz could become the third linebacker and play in the base defense. He had 22 special teams snaps against Buffalo but did not play on defense, and he is wearing a protective brace after preseason thumb surgery.
Seventh-round pick Aidan Fisher could be available in Week 2 after being inactive as a healthy scratch in the opener. Jamal Hill could be brought up from the practice squad. The linebacker group also is without E.J.
