Kayden McDonaldMeaningful impact
McDonald's IR move removes a second-round rookie expected to help Houston's early-down interior rotation for at least four games.
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PFM NFL Injury Tracker
2026 Houston Texans Injury Report
The 2026 Houston Texans injury report currently has 11 players still being tracked. The latest Houston Texans injury update is Kayden McDonald, currently listed as IR.
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Latest verified practice participation and game designations for this matchup.
Week 2 · vs. Cincinnati Bengals · Sep 20
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Current Houston Texans Injuries
11 current
Kayden McDonaldDT
IR
ankle
Sam HagenOT InjuredInjury update
Tank DellWR IRknee
Braden SmithOT InjuredPlantar fascia injury
Ali GayeDE InjuredInjury update
Dylan HortonDE IRTorn Achilles
Jaylin NoelWR ReturnedFinger and hamstring
Jadeveon ClowneyDE MonitoringLower-leg injury
K.C. OssaiLB IRInjury update
Wade WoodazLB MonitoringBroken thumb
Jayden HigginsWR IRTorn ACL
PFM Impact on Houston Texans
Tank DellMeaningful impact
Dell's move to IR pushes his return beyond the opening four games after he had progressed back into team work. Houston's offense is already the weaker side of its PFM profile, so the receiver room deserves another review.
Roster StrengthOffense Rating
Braden SmithWorth watching
The diagnosis lowers the concern from Wednesday's cart-off but Houston could still be without Smith for a few weeks. PFM will keep the offense and roster depth on watch while Trent Brown handles first-team work.
Roster StrengthOffense Rating
Latest Houston Texans Injury Updates
Kayden McDonald Placed on Injured Reserve
Houston placed Kayden McDonald on injured reserve with an ankle injury, ruling the rookie defensive tackle out for at least four games.
Kayden McDonald Cleared for Week 1
Kayden McDonald has no Week 1 game designation after Houston carried him on the injury report with an ankle injury.
Kayden McDonald Downgraded to DNP Thursday
Kayden McDonald did not practice Thursday because of an ankle injury after being limited Wednesday.
Sam Hagen Placed on Reserve/Injured
Houston placed Sam Hagen on Reserve/Injured on September 1st.
Tank Dell Will Start the Season on Injured Reserve
Houston placed Tank Dell on injured reserve with a designation to return while he continues his recovery from the severe knee injury he suffered in December 2024. He will miss at least four games.
Braden Smith diagnosed with plantar fascia injury
Braden Smith avoided a long-term foot injury after being carted off Wednesday. Sources identified the injury as a plantar fascia issue and said the Texans tackle could miss a few weeks.
Braden Smith carted off Texans practice
Starting right tackle Braden Smith was carted off Houston's Wednesday joint practice. ESPN reported the injury is believed to involve his foot, but the Texans have not announced a diagnosis or return timetable.
Ali Gaye carted off Texans practice
Ali Gaye was carted off Houston's Wednesday joint practice shortly after Braden Smith left on the cart. The Texans have not disclosed the injury or a return timetable.
Dylan Horton placed on injured reserve
Houston placed Dylan Horton on injured reserve Wednesday after the torn Achilles that had already ruled him out for the 2026 season.
Dylan Horton to miss season with torn Achilles
Dylan Horton tore his Achilles during Texans practice and will miss the 2026 season.
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