Hummel move leaves Texans with four linebackers on IR or PUP

The Houston Texans placed linebacker Jake Hummel on injured reserve before their Week 3 meeting with the Indianapolis Colts, keeping him out for at least four games because of a groin problem sustained in the previous matchup with Cincinnati.

Hummel did not participate in six consecutive team practices while dealing with the injury. His absence includes the Colts game, the Texans’ Week 4 home contest against the Dallas Cowboys, and road games against the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

The move gives Houston four linebackers on injured reserve or the physically unable to perform list less than three games into the season. E.J. Speed has a significant quad injury from the offseason that could keep him out for all of 2026, while K.C.

Ossai began the season on injured reserve. Henry To’oTo’o went to injured reserve after injuring his shoulder in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1.

Hummel has primarily contributed on special teams and has played 150 defensive snaps during his career. With him unavailable, five linebackers remain on the Texans’ 53-man roster: Azeez Al-Shaair, Jake Hansen, Jamal Hill, Wade Woodaz and Aiden Fisher. Hill was recently brought up from the practice squad because of the injuries at the position.

Woodaz and Fisher, both first-year draft picks, could receive additional opportunities over the next four games. Woodaz had been moving toward a larger role after his work in July and August, and his duties could increase on defense and special teams.

Houston could also add a linebacker to the active roster or elevate one for upcoming games. Kenneth Murray, a former Dallas Cowboys linebacker, is the remaining linebacker on the Texans’ practice squad. The team had already completed its elevations for the Colts game, so Murray will not be available for that contest. The report was published by si.com.

Source: si.com.

Sources

Sports Illustrated