Henry To’oTo’o is officially sidelined for several months with a shoulder injury after landing on the injured reserve, leaving a massive hole in the Houston Texans’ linebacker corps. This is a brutal blow for them, and honestly, you gotta feel for the squad needing depth this early in the season. With To’oTo’o out of commission, Houston is scrambling, and they’ve already brought Jamal Hill up from the practice squad to help fill the void.
The Search for a Stopgap: Murray’s Workout
The Texans clearly know they need another body, and they went after a big name this week. On Tuesday, they worked out former starting linebacker and first-round pick Kenneth Murray Jr. This dude isn’t just some random guy; he was a 23rd overall pick by the Chargers back in 2020 after tearing it up as an All-American at Oklahoma. The man’s got pedigree, you know? What’s wild is that after the workout, he didn’t sign a contract. I mean, they’re down a starter for *months*, and a former first-round talent walks away unsigned? That’s definitely a head-scratcher when you’re looking for immediate help.
Kenneth Murray Jr.’s Track Record Speaks Volumes
Murray’s resume is no joke, making this non-signing even more perplexing for the Texans. In 2024, he signed with the Tennessee Titans and actually led their team in tackles. Then, just last offseason, the Cowboys traded for him from the Titans, giving up two draft picks to get him. He wasn’t just a backup in Dallas, either; he started 16 games and finished second on the team with a solid 81 tackles. Plus, he added four tackles for loss, broke up two passes, snagged a sack, and recovered a fumble. He’s been productive, and he’s only 27! Since the offseason started, he’s also worked out for the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants. You’d think a guy with that kind of recent production could step right in, maybe even take Hill’s spot on the practice squad and get elevated on gamedays. But nope, no signature.
What’s Next For The Texans Defense?
So, the Texans are rolling into their next game with Hill elevated and To’oTo’o on the IR, but without Murray on the roster. They’re up against the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday at Reliant Stadium. Kickoff is at Noon on CBS. Their defense is gonna have to really step up without To’oTo’o, and frankly, they missed an opportunity to add a proven veteran. How they manage this hole in their lineup could seriously impact their early season. You gotta wonder if they’ll regret not locking Murray down when they had the chance.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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