E.J. Speed won’t be back anytime soon, if not at all in 2026.
According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the Houston Texans linebacker is expected to miss the entire regular season after further examination of his quadriceps revealed a completely torn tendon that has been successfully surgically repaired.
Speed, who signed a two-year deal worth $13 million this offseason, underwent surgery last week after doing one-legged, split squats during the Texans’ offseason workout program. The Texans could clear him to return to practice in January should they make the postseason.
With Speed on the mend, the Texans will lean heavily on Pro Bowler Azeez Al-Shaair and fourth-year Henry To’oTo’o. They also have special teams standouts like Jake Hansen, Jamal Hill, Marte Mapu and Jake Hummel, and drafted Clemson’s Wade Woodaz and Indiana’s Aiden Fisher on Day 3 last April.
A longtime Indianapolis Colts linebacker, Speed finished with 62 tackles, three tackles for losses, two quarterback hits and a pass breakup in 16 games with nine starts for a playoff squad.
According to Wilson, he played 44 percent of the defensive snaps and 52 percent of the special teams snaps last season.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans receive souring update on LB E.J. Speed following surgery
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
