Texans DE Dylan Horton Tears Achilles

Horton, 26, was a fourth-round pick out of TCU in 2023. He only appeared in 10 games as a rookie after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, but it was in remission by the following spring. He missed the start of the 2024 season as he completed his recovery but returned to the field by October and played the last 13 games of the regular season.

Last year, Horton took advantage of his first full NFL offseason and appeared in 16 games, which including his first half-sack and career-highs of 26 tackles and four quarterback hits. His pressure rate doubled from 5.0% in 2024 to 10.8% in 2025, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), though his pass rush win rate only saw a marginal bump.

The Texans primarily rely on their elite edge rushing duo of Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but losing Horton will force them to rely on other defensive ends. Jadeveon Clowney and Dominique Robinson are likely atop the depth chart, though both are currently dealing with minor leg injuries, per Wilson. 

Typically, a late-August Achilles tear would be a season-ending injury, but NFL recovery rates are getting faster and faster. If the Texans move Horton to injured reserve right away, he will not play again this year, but an IR placement with a return designation during Sunday’s roster cuts would indicate there is still hope for a speedy return at the end of the season.