Early indications suggest a recovery timeline of at least one month, but the current outlook points to a much longer absence. Reports noted that To’oTo’o’s shoulder injury was severe enough to necessitate an injured reserve placement, meaning he will miss a substantial portion of the season. The expected recovery period extends beyond the typical four-week window often associated with injuries on the active roster.
This development marks a significant setback for the Texans, who have relied on To’oTo’o since they selected him in the fifth round (167th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. Over the last two seasons, To’oTo’o has totaled 200 tackles in 47 games (36 starts). His absence not only removes production but also leaves the Texans’ linebacking corps thinner in terms of starting experience.
The Texans are already contending with depth issues at the position. Linebacker E.J. Speed is on the physically unable to perform list due to a quad injury suffered during the offseason program and is expected to miss the 2026 season, or at least a significant portion of it. On the current 53-man roster, the Texans have four other linebackers, of which only two—Jake Hansen and Jake Hummel—are veterans. Both have been more notable for special-teams contributions than for starting roles. The remaining linebackers on the roster are younger players and Day 3 picks: Wade Woodaz, a fourth-round selection who recorded one tackle in the loss to Buffalo, and Aiden Fisher, a seventh-round pick who was inactive for that game.
The loss of To’oTo’o compounds the Texans’ challenges on defense and will likely prompt adjustments in the lineup and rotation at the linebacker position as the team navigates through the coming weeks. As the Texans evaluate options, they will balance the need for experienced leadership with opportunities for younger players to step into larger roles and prove their readiness for extended NFL action.
