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The Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o is the most immediate concern. The Texans placed him on injured reserve after he suffered a left shoulder injury late in the fourth quarter of their 36-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He sustained the injury with 2:34 remaining and finished the game with two tackles on 51 snaps. Being placed on IR forces him to miss at least four games, with reports indicating he could remain sidelined for months.
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The circumstances severely impact the Texans. To’oTo’o signed a two-year contract extension this offseason and had become an important run defender for Houston. Houston is also dealing with Jake Hummel’s groin injury, which has rendered him week-to-week. Consequently, Jake Hansen is expected to step into the starting role next to Azeez Al-Shaair against Cincinnati.
Nico Collins presents another major injury concern. Collins was limited in Wednesday’s practice with a hamstring injury. The team is undergoing testing to evaluate the severity of the issue, leaving his availability for Sunday against the Bengals uncertain. Thursday’s practice report should provide a clearer indication of whether he can play.
Collins recorded seven catches for 75 yards and a touchdown against Buffalo. His absence against Cincinnati would deprive quarterback C.J. Stroud of his primary target.
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Houston has taken steps to fortify its linebacker depth. The Texans signed veteran Kenneth Murray to the practice squad after To’oTo’o went to IR. Murray, a former first-round pick, has 83 career starts and gives Houston an experienced option behind its current depth chart.
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Jake Hansen possesses prior starting experience with Houston and filled in during the Bills game. He could now take To’oTo’o’s spot alongside Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, giving the Texans some continuity instead of completely reshaping the unit.
The defense has to respond after giving up 36 points to Buffalo. Houston’s communication and coverage broke down against Josh Allen, while Dalton Kincaid and other Bills receivers created several explosive plays.
Will Anderson Jr. and the pass rush will need to make life harder for Joe Burrow, while the replacement linebackers must handle Cincinnati’s run and intermediate passing game.
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This story was originally published September 17, 2026 at 3:03 AM.