Texans Place LB Sione Takitaki On IR

Players moved to IR at this point in the offseason are out for the year. Barring a release following an injury settlement which sees Takitaki sign with a new team late in the season, his 2026 campaign has already come to an end. The 31-year-old joined Houston as a depth and special teams option, but he will not be involved in the fall.

An injury suffered by Jake Hansen resulted in the Texans conducting a workout looking for third phase contributors. That led to the Takitaki signing. Based on Hansen’s status, Houston could attempt once more to sign a veteran capable of replacing his special teams ability or move forward with the incumbent linebacker group. Either way, today’s news marks another blow regarding Takitaki’s efforts to return to a regular role in the NFL.

The former Browns starter logged a defensive snap share of just 27% in 2024 as a member of the Patriots. Last season, Takitaki was limited to three games during his time with the Vikings. The BYU product is now on track to spend an entire campaign rehabbing an injury. That will no doubt lead to another tepid market next spring.

In a corresponding move, the Texans have signed receiver Juwann Winfree. The 29-year-old has previously spent time with Houston, although none of his 23 career games have taken place with the team. Winfree last saw regular-season action in 2023, so he will likely spend training camp auditioning for a practice squad spot.