Houston Texans’ defense takes a hit with Benardrick McKinney’s injury

Houston Texans’ defense takes a hit with Benardrick McKinney’s injury late in the game against the Tennessee Titans.

Arguably the heart and soul of the Houston Texans defense, Benardrick McKinney will be missed if he isn’t able to suit up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16. McKinney was down on the field late in the fourth quarter after colliding with Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith.

It was later reported that McKinney wouldn’t return due to a concussion, and it will be rather difficult for him to clear the NFL concussion protocol by game day this upcoming Saturday. The Texans will lose one of their most durable defenders in McKinney since he has only missed two games since being selected in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

McKinney has been productive for the Texans with 102 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one sack through 14 games. This season marks the third time that he reaches 100 tackles in the last four seasons with the Texans.

The Texans are expected to make a move to bolster their depth at inside linebacker with only three healthy players at that position on the active roster. Zach Cunningham, Peter Kalambayi, and Tyrell Adams will be picking up the load that McKinney leaves behind if he is unable to go.

With a short week of practice before Saturday’s game, it makes sense for the Texans to look to make a move from within and promote Nate Hall from the practice squad. Hall was signed to the practice squad after Dylan Cole was lost for the season with a torn ACL in Week 12.