With the Houston Texans on a short week, players currently injured might be out once more if not fully cleared.
That might not be the case for second-year linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, who suffered a concussion earlier this month but returned to practice last week. He was a last-second inactive for Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts and could have played if the team was desperate.
Will To’oTo’o suit up on “Thursday Night Football” when the Texans take on the New York Jets? Here’s what happened and his current status entering Tuesday’s walkthrough.
Henry To’oTo’o injury update
To’oTo’o suffered a concussion during the fourth quarter of Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots. He didn’t practice before Week 7’s loss against the Green Bay Packers and was limited last week.
While To’oTo’o practiced on Wednesday, he missed Thursday’s drills for further evaluation. To’o’To’o returned on Friday, but the Texans listed him as questionable on the final injury report.
While the Texans didn’t practice Monday, To’oTo’o would have been a full participant, meaning he’s cleared protocol and can now handle contact. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t say if he’d play, but the early outlook seems to be promising.
How long will Henry To’oTo’o be out?
Barring a setback during Tuesday’s drills, it would be best to assume that To’oTo’o will play Thursday against the AFC East opponent. The Texans have managed without him and Azeez Al-Shaair through two weeks, but there’s been a drop-off in production between the three rotating options.
Henry To’oTo’o stats
Through six games, To’oTo’o leads the Texans with 46 tackles. He’s also recorded two tackles for loss, a sack and a pass breakup.
Texans LB depth chart
Al-Shaair, who’s also missed the last two games due to a knee injury, could be again after being listed as “didn’t practice” along with Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive back Jimmie Ward.
Here’s the rest of the linebackers on the active roster:
- Neville Hewitt
- Devin White
- Jake Hansen
- Del’Shawn Phillips
- Jamal Hill
Hewitt, White and Hansen rotated in last week and likely will do the same opposite To’oTo’o. Hewitt, best known as a special teams ace, has been the team’s top tackler over the previous two games. He finished with eight stops against the Patriots and Packers, respectively.