Houston will be without linebacker Jake Hummel for at least four games after placing him on injured reserve ahead of its Week 3 matchup with Indianapolis. The groin injury occurred in the previous game against Cincinnati, and Hummel missed six straight practices. His absence covers the Colts game, a Week 4 home meeting with Dallas, plus road games at Tennessee and Jacksonville in London.
The move means Houston has four linebackers on either injured reserve or PUP before completing three games of the season. E.J. Speed is dealing with a significant offseason quad injury that could sideline him for all of 2026. K.C. Ossai opened the season on injured reserve, while Henry To’oTo’o was placed there after a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter against Buffalo in Week 1.
Hummel has mainly played special teams and has 150 defensive snaps in his career. The Texans’ remaining five linebackers are Azeez Al-Shaair, Jake Hansen, Jamal Hill, Wade Woodaz and Aiden Fisher. Hill recently moved up from the practice squad because of the injuries. First-year picks Woodaz and Fisher could see expanded roles on defense and special teams over the next four games.
Houston may add a linebacker or elevate one for an upcoming game. Kenneth Murray, a former Dallas Cowboys linebacker, remains on the practice squad, but the team had already used its elevations for the Colts game, making him unavailable. SI.com published the report.
