Jake Hansen is expected to become a starting linebacker for the Houston Texans after Henry To'oTo'o was placed on injured reserve before Week 2. Hansen would line up alongside Pro Bowl selection Azeez Al-Shaair after taking over for To'oTo'o during the opener against the Buffalo Bills, when he played seven defensive snaps.
To'oTo'o sustained an apparent shoulder injury late in the fourth quarter and was later seen wearing a splint. Coach DeMeco Ryans said the linebacker was expected to miss significant time. The Texans made the IR move official Tuesday, following a Monday night report from Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790.
To'oTo'o is projected to miss a few months, exceeding injured reserve's four-game minimum.
Wade Woodaz could take the No. 3 linebacker role and play in the base defense. He had 22 special teams snaps in the opener but none on defense, and he is wearing a protective brace after preseason thumb surgery.
Seventh-round pick Aidan Fisher could be available for Week 2 after being inactive as a healthy scratch, while Jamal Hill could be elevated from the practice squad. Hansen has four starts and 391 defensive snaps across his first five NFL seasons. The Texans also expect E.J.
