The Houston Texans are getting some defensive reinforcements ahead of Sunday's matchup against the red hot Jacksonville Jaguars, activating defensive back Ja’Marcus Ingram and linebacker Henry To’oTo’o to the active roster on Saturday.
The moves give Houston additional depth on defense as they prepare for a critical AFC South contest in London. Both players had recently returned to practice, giving the Texans an opportunity to bring them back into the lineup ahead of their highly anticipated international matchup.
Ingram, in his fifth NFL season, brings experience to Houston's secondary. The defensive back has been working his way back into the lineup and has been listed on the injury report with an elbow injury. He's listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup, but the possibility of him suiting up provides the Texans with another potential option in the secondary as they prepare to face Jacksonville's lethal offense.
To’oTo’o's return is particularly notable for Houston's linebacker group. The 25-year-old Alabama product returned to practice this week after recovering from a shoulder injury. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, but the Texans ultimately activated him to the active roster, clearing the way for his potential return to game action.
The Texans selected To’oTo’o in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has developed into a solid contributor for Houston's defense. Last season, he appeared in all 17 games and recorded 95 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and four passes defended.
Houston also made additional roster moves Saturday. The Texans elevated defensive back Bryce Hall and running back Jawhar Jordan from the practice squad for Week 6. To make room for the roster changes, Houston waived rookie linebacker Aiden Fisher and cornerback Collin Wright.
These moves come as the Texans prepare for a difficult divisional matchup against a Jacksonville team that enter the week with a 4-1 record. Houston, meanwhile, enters the week at 1-4 and is looking to build momentum after their first victory of the season against the Tennessee Titans.
Potentially getting Ingram and To’oTo’o back gives Houston more depth, particularly as the team works through injuries and adjusts the roster. Their availability could be important against a Jaguars offense that has helped Jacksonville establish itself as one of the AFC's stronger teams early in the season.
With the Texans looking to climb back into the division title race, Sunday's game i an opportunity to make a statement against a difficult division opponent.