The Texans will go at least the next four games without defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi. The team placed Fatukasi on injured reserve, opening up the spot the team used to sign offensive tackle Trent Brown to its 53-man roster yesterday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2.
Fatukasi, who’s dealing with a shoulder injury, will not be eligible to rejoin the Texans’ defense until a Week 10 matchup with the Jaguars. The 30-year-old has played just under 39% of defensive snaps this season and tallied eight tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a pair of quarterback hits. Four weeks into the season, Pro Football Focus ranks Fatukasi’s performance 134th among 179 qualifiers at his position.
Along with Fatukasi, the Texans have already ruled out fellow defensive lineman Denico Autry (knee) for a pivotal Week 5 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Both teams have gotten off to surprisingly slow 1-3 starts this year. Although Autry’s practice window opened this week, the veteran defensive lineman remains on Houston’s reserve/PUP list.
Houston, which will avoid the injured Lamar Jackson and instead face backup quarterback Cooper Rush on Sunday, will continue to rely on interior D-linemen Sheldon Rankins and Tim Settle in prominent roles. Mario Edwards and Tommy Togiai are also in the mix.