The Houston Texans have their Week 4 inactives in, and the headline is clear: linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair will sit again, but the more unexpected move is at tight end, where rookie Marlin Klein is out despite being active for each of Houston’s first three games.
Al-Shaair’s absence was already expected after he suffered a groin injury last weekend against the Indianapolis Colts. He did not practice all week, and while the Texans didn’t place him on injured reserve, there’s still no firm answer yet on how long he’ll be sidelined.
His absence puts Jake Hansen in the middle of the defense as the Texans’ green-dot signal-caller. Hansen, who was listed questionable, has been activated for Sunday’s game. Rookie Wade Woodaz is also set for his first NFL start, stepping in for Henry To'oTo'o, who remains out with the shoulder injury he picked up in Week 1.
The other surprise on Houston’s inactive list is Klein. The second-round rookie had suited up in each of the first three games, though his snap count had been limited.
Still, it looked like his role was headed in the right direction. Instead, he’ll be unavailable against Dallas.
That opens the door for Brevin Jordan, who has been inactive for Houston’s first three games but is now set to make his debut and return to the field for the first time since Week 2 of 2024.
The Texans also got a boost up front, with veteran defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney and Logan Hall both active after entering the day questionable. Both are now off the injury report and available to help Houston’s front seven.
Here’s how the Texans and Cowboys are lining up on the inactive report for Week 4:
LB Azeez Al-Shaair
OL Febechi Nwaiwu
DE Chris Braswell
OL Nate Thomas
TE Marlin Klein
LB DeMarvion Overshown
CB Cobie Durant
CB Caelen Carson
RB Emari Demercado
OLB James Houston
OL Ajani Cornelius
WR Camden Brown
Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. CT at Reliant Stadium, where Houston will try to get its first win of the regular season against its in-state rival.
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