Houston Texans defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (72) runs a pass rush drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback Graham Mertz (18) throws a pass during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, right, works with his players during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, right, works with his players during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, right, works with quarterback Davis Mills (10) and tight end Brevin Jordan (9) during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. (24) and Kamari Lassiter (3) stand on the sidelines between drills during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) makes a catch against cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans running back David Montgomery, left, runs the ball against linebacker Henry To’oto’o (39) during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) makes a throw during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans running back David Montgomery, left, runs the ball against linebacker Azeez al-Shaair (0) during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans running back Woody Marks runs upfield after making a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) makes a throw during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley, left, works with quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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A tribute to Houston Texans co-founder Janice McNair, who died on July 14 at the age of 89, is posted next to the practice field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) works with his fellow defensive linemen during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans offensive linemen work on blocking drills during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans tackle Braden Smith (71) works with guard Keylan Rutledge (66) during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterbacks C.J. Stroud (7) and Davis Mills (10) takes snaps during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receivers Jayden Higgins (81), Nico Collins (12) and Jared Wayne (89) pause between drills during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans guard Keylan Rutledge (66) works with offensive tackle Derrick Graham (73) during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans guard Keylan Rutledge (66) works with offensive tackle Derrick Graham (73) during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterbacks Davis Mills (10) and C.J. Stroud (7) throw passes during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterbacks Davis Mills (10) and C.J. Stroud (7) throw passes during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan (9) makes a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) runs a pass rush drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) runs a pass rush drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive tackle Kayden McDonald runs a pass rush drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) runs a pass rush drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) hits a blocking dummy during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans tight end Marlin Klein makes a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover makes a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Sebastian Harsh (94) hits a blocking sled during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans offensive tackle Derrick Graham (73) works with guard Keylan Rutledge during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans offensive tackle Derrick Graham (73) works with guard Keylan Rutledge during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans offensive linemen run blocking drills during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) makes a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) makes a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans tight end Marlin Klein (83) makes a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio throws a football during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive backs Calen Bullock (2), Kamari Lassiter (3) and Derek Stingley Jr. (24) walk to the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) makes his way to the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans Jamal Hill (56), Reed Blankenship (6), Azeez al-Shaair (0) and Aiden Fisher walk to the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans offensive tackle Braden Smith walks to the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Punters work on their kicks during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans guard Keylan Rutledge walks to the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson walks to the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) lines up under a punt to make a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive back Brandon Codrington(17) catches a punt during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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Houston Texans guard Wyatt Teller (75) walks to the practice field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, July 30, 2026.
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The Houston Texans were among the healthiest teams in the NFL in 2025, which likely contributed to one of the best regular seasons in the franchise’s 25-year history.
But this year, their depth — particularly at linebacker — is being tested just two days into training camp.
Veteran linebacker Jake Hansen left Thursday’s practice on a cart after suffering what coach DeMeco Ryans later described as a foot injury.
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“It just happened, so we’ll evaluate him and see how he progresses toward getting back healthy,” Ryans said after practice.
TEN TO WATCH: Texans with most to prove in training camp
Hansen went down during team drills after attempting to make a play with the second-team defense. Ryans stopped practice while trainers checked on Hansen. After he was loaded onto the cart with a towel over his face, his teammates came over to pat him on the back.
It is too early to determine the extent of Hansen’s injury.
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But losing him for any extended period could present problems for a position group that was already beginning to show signs of thinning.
Earlier this offseason, the team’s No. 3 linebacker, E.J. Speed, suffered a quadriceps injury in in a weight-room incident that could sideline him for the entire season, though that has not been determined. Even so, the Texans are not banking on Speed returning this season.
Hansen was expected to compete for the No. 3 linebacker spot behind Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o, along with several other candidates, including Marte Mapu, Jamal Hill and rookies Wade Woodaz and Aiden Fisher.
Hansen had the most experience in Ryans’ system among those candidates, including two starts during the 2024 season.
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He has played in 56 games over four seasons with Houston and has been a fixture on special teams, recording 84 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for loss.
While the nature and timing of his injury are unfortunate, it opens opportunities for some of the Texans’ younger players who might otherwise have been at risk of being cut.
Still, if Hansen is out for an extended period, the Texans could look to free agents for help.
Jayden Higgins making plays early
Jayden Higgins, the second-year receiver from Iowa State, is turning heads through the first two days of camp. On the first two plays of team drills, Higgins made two catches, including a first-down reception on an out route against two-time All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
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Quarterback C.J. Stroud, who threw both passes, patted Higgins on the helmet after the series.
Higgins’ development as an offensive threat will be one of the keys for the Texans as they try to improve on last season. The Texans often struggled to produce consistent explosive plays opposite Nico Collins, and it showed during last season’s playoff loss to the Patriots.
Ryans said the offense is trying to move Higgins around the formation, including into the slot at times.
“First play of practice today, he runs a great route, C.J. gives him a great ball. It just shows his growth,” Ryans said. “Shows a guy you can count on in those crunch situations, and we’re going to need him.
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“We need a guy to step up opposite Nico and be that threat, and Jayden can be that guy for us.”
Higgins showed flashes during his rookie season.
During the second half of the season, he became one of Stroud’s biggest red zone threats. The receiver, drafted No. 34 overall in 2025, tied for the team lead with six receiving touchdowns.
Now, entering this season, he looks faster and more confident than he did last year.
“I expect him to be a dominant force,” Stroud said. “A guy who can make plays on the first, second and third levels. I think he’s gotten better. I think he’s learning and listening more. I want him to take steps in areas where he can grow beyond the things he’s already good at.”
Reed Blankenship impressing fellow DBs
Texans safety Jalen Pitre said he is happy to have new safety Reed Blankenship on the team and believes Blankenship will elevate the defensive backs room.
“He’s obviously won a Super Bowl, so he knows what it takes to get there,” Pitre said. “That’s really going to help us.”
Blankenship signed a three-year deal with the Texans in March after four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
An undrafted defensive back out of Middle Tennessee State in 2022, Blankenship earned a starting job with the Eagles in his second season. He remained a starter until leaving for the Texans this offseason.
Blankenship had at least 78 tackles in each of the past three seasons. During Philadelphia’s run to the Super Bowl in the 2024 season, Blankenship had 27 tackles in four playoff games.
Pitre described him as a versatile, hard-hitting player who can play near the line of scrimmage or deep in the secondary.
“He can really do it all,” Pitre said.
Thursday’s highlights
Stroud was 5 of 9 in team drills against the first-team defense, with several solid throws to Higgins and Justin Watson.
The biggest play of Thursday’s practice came on an interception by second-year defensive back Alijah Huzzie. He broke on a pass from quarterback Davis Mills and returned it for a pick-six, to the delight of the defense.
Henry To’oTo’o also has been making strides. Stroud threw a screen pass to Woody Marks during team drills, but To’oTo’o avoided blockers and brought down Marks for a short gain.
Guard Keylan Rutledge is living up to his reputation as a mauler. During Wednesday’s practice, he delivered a pancake block on Azeez Al-Shaair and had to be pried off the veteran linebacker.