The Houston Texans just suffered another blow to their linebacker depth in training camp today.
According to multiple reports, key depth linebacker Jake Hansen went down in practice with what appeared to be a major foot injury in today's practice session. Reports say that Hansen slammed his hand on the ground in frustration as he struggled to get up from the ground, and that his teammates got on a knee as the cart was deployed to retrieve Hansen from the field of play.
KPRC 2 Texans Insider Aaron Wilson quoted head coach DeMeco Ryans as stating that the team will "see how Hansen progresses" upon further examination of the ailment.
It's a devastating development for both Hansen and the Texans, as it added yet another linebacker to the injured list alongside fellow key positional teammate in E.J. Speed, who is projected to be out for major portions of the regular season (at a minimum) due to a torn quadriceps in the offseason.
Jake Hansen's injury adds to linebacker depth scarcity
Houston already came into training camp having lost a key member of their linebacking group with the loss of Speed early on in the offseason. Hansen -- also an important special teams piece -- has been a consistent presence in his own right with his dependability and versatility since he signed with the Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
He's played in 14-plus games for the last three consecutive seasons, which demonstrates his level of "ironman status" among his teammates.
In the meantime, much more will be expected of names like Marte Mapu, Wade Woodaz and even Aidan Fisher, who now would theoretically have more reps to split in between them with Hansen being out for an unspecified amount of time at this point. It's not the same as losing stalwarts like Pro Bowler Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o, but you never like to see multiple losses at the same position group with mere weeks to go before the season starts.
I expect general manager Nick Caserio and co. to also potentially address the loss with another reasonably priced depth alternative if given the chance. If not, then that means the team is comfortable with trusting its in-house options to make up for the absence of their fifth-year player.
Hopefully, we hear news soon that says the injury isn't bad as the initial appearance suggests. Or else, his final act for the team could sadly just be him signing that one-year, $3 million extension to play through the 2026 season. Without any more financial commitment after this season, this could be the last we see of the former Illinois linebacker.
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