Texans starting linebacker Henry To'oTo'o is expected to be sidelined for an undetermined period after sustaining a shoulder injury in Houston's season-opening loss to Buffalo. Coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday that the team has not decided whether to place To'oTo'o on injured reserve.
To'oTo'o was hurt with 2:34 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Texans' 36-31 defeat. He was assisted off the field after tackling Bills tight end Dawson Knox and did not return.
The injury comes before Houston's next three games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys. The Texans will host Cincinnati, visit Indianapolis and then return home to face Dallas. Each opponent ranked among the NFL's top 12 scoring offenses last season.
Buffalo's 36 points were the second-most Houston has allowed during Ryans' tenure. The Texans previously gave up 37 points to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023. The game also marked Houston's first time allowing more than 30 points since a 31-point loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas in 2024.
To'oTo'o was selected by Houston in the fifth round of the 2023 draft and signed a two-year, $16 million extension in August. Further details about his recovery and the team's injured-reserve decision were not yet clear.
