OCTOBER 17: The Texans are activating To’oTo’o from IR and waiving linebacker Aiden Fisher, according to Wilson.
OCTOBER 14: Continuing a Wednesday chock-full of Texans news, the team is opening the practice window for linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. The Texans will have three weeks to activate him from injured reserve.
While To’oTo’o inked a two-year, $16MM extension in August, he hasn’t gotten much of a chance to contribute this season. The 25-year-old played most of the Texans’ season-opening loss to the Bills, but he left with a shoulder injury late in the fourth quarter. The estimation at the time was that To’oTo’o could miss around eight weeks. He has sat out four since then, meaning he could come back earlier than expected if the Texans activate him in the next 21 days.
To’oTo’o came off the bench in eight of 14 games as a rookie in 2023, but the fifth-round pick from Alabama has started in 30 of 33 appearances since his second season. He averaged 100 tackles (including eight TFL) and two sacks per year from 2024-25.
After the Texans placed To’oTo’o on IR, they added veteran linebacker Kenneth Murray to their practice squad in a depth-bolstering move. The team elevated Murray in each of its past two games, and he combined for 67 defensive snaps and six tackles. Jake Hansen, who made just four starts in his first four years, has also taken on an increased role. Because To’oTo’o has been out for four weeks and Azeez Al-Shaair missed roughly a game and a half with a groin injury, Hansen leads Texans linebackers in snaps.
While taking the field for 265 defensive plays, Hansen has recorded 32 tackles, two pass breakups, a sack and an interception. Hansen’s performance has impressed Pro Football Focus, which ranks his play 25th among 67 qualifying off-ball LBs. If that continues, Houston will remain in decent shape at the position as it awaits the potential return of To’oTo’o.