The Houston Texans have placed linebacker Henry To'oTo'o on injured reserve after he left the season opener with an apparent shoulder injury. He was later seen wearing a splint, and coach DeMeco Ryans said To'oTo'o would be out for a significant period.
To'oTo'o is projected to miss a few months, which would keep him sidelined beyond the four-game minimum associated with injured reserve. The move was reported by sports.yahoo.com and became official before Houston's Week 2 game.
Jake Hansen is expected to move into the starting linebacker spot beside Azeez Al-Shaair. Hansen replaced To'oTo'o for the rest of the opener against the Buffalo Bills, playing seven defensive snaps. He has made four starts and recorded 391 defensive snaps during his first five NFL seasons.
Wade Woodaz could receive a larger defensive role as the third linebacker. He did not play defense in Week 1 but took part in 22 special teams snaps. Woodaz, a fourth-round pick, is recovering from a surgically repaired thumb injury and is wearing a protective brace.
