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Rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald’s sudden injury creates a major Week 1 question. He was limited Wednesday with an ankle injury and subsequently sat out Thursday’s session, a true downgrade that puts his Week 1 availability against the Buffalo Bills in question. Houston has not announced a long-term absence or specific recovery timetable, so his status should be treated as day-to-day rather than ruling him out for multiple games.
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McDonald was a unanimous 2025 All-American and won the Big Ten Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year award. His final college season included 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles. That explains why Houston viewed him as more than just a rotational defensive tackle.
He recorded his first NFL sack against the Raiders, beating the offensive line to bring down Aidan O’Connell. He also took part in Houston’s rookie minicamp, where he immediately set aggressive goals of winning Rookie of the Year.
At this stage, Friday’s final injury report should provide the clearest indication of whether he has a realistic chance to play.
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Texans Have Injury Concerns, But Defense Gives C.J. Stroud Some Breathing Room
McDonald is the primary concern after Thursday’s practice. Will Anderson Jr. also did not practice, but that was listed as rest rather than an injury. The encouraging news is that right tackle Trent Brown (wrist) and linebacker Wade Woodaz (thumb) were full participants Thursday.
Houston already has a question at right tackle with Braden Smith dealing with an injury, making Brown’s health important for the offensive line. Houston can lean on David Montgomery and Woody Marks to attack a Buffalo run defense that has been vulnerable, while Stroud works with weapons such as Nico Collins and Kayshon Boutte.
The Texans still have Anderson, Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr. and a deep defensive front. That unit was a major reason Houston went 12-5 in 2025, and the defense remains the team’s clearest path to controlling Sunday’s game. If the Texans can pressure Allen and force Buffalo to settle for field goals, Stroud does not need a perfect afternoon.
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This story was originally published September 11, 2026 at 4:40 AM.